Hunter Biden’s legal team accused of misrepresentation – In another twist in the criminal case against Hunter Biden, Delaware Judge Maryellen Noreika threatened Biden’s legal team with sanctions amid allegations of lying to the clerk’s office.
Biden’s counsel is accused of failing to follow correct procedure in order to have information about IRS whistleblowers removed from the docket.
Moreover, Judge Noreika accused a member of his team with “misrepresenting” her identity, and who she worked for, in “an attempt to improperly convince the clerk’s office to remove the amicus materials from the docket.”
Biden’s legal team were given a 9pm deadline on Tuesday, July 26 to explain their side of the allegations.
Fox News report Biden’s legal team had informed Judge Noreika that the lawyer had accurately represented her affiliation with her law firm over the phone to the clerk.
Proper court procedure in relation to sealed documents
Under proper court procedure, attorneys are required to make a formal request to the court if they wish to seal information.
Even if she had properly identified herself, Biden’s lawyer would have to make such a request to the court directly. A clerk – while crucial in assisting in court proceedings – would not have the power to approve such an action.
Under the request, the lawyer asked to remove and seal information in relation to two IRS whistleblowers.
Once information is sealed, it has restricted access, particularly to members of the public.
What did Judge Noreika order?
The Delaware judge gave Biden’s legal team until 9pm on Tuesday in order to make their case.
In making her decision, Judge Noreika said: “The Court has discussed the matter with the relevant individuals in the Clerk’s Office and has been informed that the caller, Ms. Jessica Bengels, represented that she worked with Mr. Kittila and requested the amicus materials be taken down because they contained sensitive grand jury, taxpayer and social security information.”
“It appears that the caller misrepresented her identity and who she worked for in an attempt to improperly convince the clerk’s office to remove the amicus materials from the docket,” the judge added.
“The Court will temporarily place the document under seal until close of business on July 26, 2023 to afford Defendant the opportunity to try to make the requisite showing.”
“Should Defendant fail to make that showing, the document will be unsealed in its entirety.”
The IRS Hunter Biden whistleblowers
As part of an ongoing investigation by the House Oversight Committee, a 2020 memo by senior IRS Criminal Investigator Gary Shapley directly contradicted an open letter which stated that the Hunter laptop scandal as “a Russian information operation.”
Shapley, along with fellow whistleblower Joseph Ziegler, claim there is further information on the laptop which they are yet to receive.
The Hunter Biden case continues to develop at an alarming rate; in a shock decision on Wednesday, Judge Noreika rejected a plea agreement in relation to a separate gun-related felony charge.
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist based in Canada. He has written for the Western Standard, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo, and has covered notable events including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
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