Newly released text messages from federal prosecutors show Hunter Biden attempting to meet a drug dealer just before allegedly lying about his drug use on a firearm purchase form. The texts, presented during his trial, reveal Hunter arranging to buy drugs the day before purchasing a .38-caliber gun.
Hunter, 54, sent messages to “Q,” a contact in his phone, on October 11th, 2018, saying, “Meet me 7/11 at 3.” The previous day, he had asked, “Can you meet me @ 7/11 now?” but “Q,” also known as “Jr,” was unavailable. It is unclear if they met before Hunter visited Starquest Shooters & Survival Supply on October 12th.
Eladio Otero Jr., identified by the Daily Mail as “Q,” pleaded guilty in June 2023 to using a communication device to support a drug conspiracy. He was sentenced to one year of supervised release and fifteen months in jail.
FBI agent Erika Jensen testified to refute defense claims that Hunter was not addicted to drugs at the time of the gun purchase. Prosecutor Derek Hines used the texts to show Hunter’s regular visits to the convenience store to buy drugs.
Hunter’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, questioned the context of the messages, suggesting Hunter might have been buying coffee instead. Jensen admitted she lacked further context beyond the messages from Hunter’s laptop, which mainstream media previously dismissed as Russian disinformation.
Emails from Hunter’s laptop, reported by the New York Post, show he withdrew $800 from his Wells Fargo account on October 11th. This matches testimony from ex-girlfriend Zoe Kestan, who said Hunter often withdrew large sums for drugs, sometimes allowing dealers direct access to his bank account.
On October 16th, 2018, Hunter texted his sister-in-law and lover, Hallie Biden, with location data placing him at a 7-11 at 4 a.m. Lowell noted the inconsistencies between text messages and location data, questioning the reliability of the evidence.
Hunter’s defense called three witnesses, including his daughter, Naomi. Her testimony intended to show Hunter as a responsible father, but texts between them revealed his unresponsiveness, causing concern. Naomi’s emotional messages added a personal dimension to the trial.
