The Supreme Court's recent decision to reject an appeal from Devon Archer, former business partner of Hunter Biden, underscores the maintenance of Archer's conviction in a fraud scheme against the Wakpamni Lake Community Corp., the business entity associated with the Wakpamni Lake Community of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

This denial brings Archer closer to facing a prison term, challenging his initial sentence of a year and a day, while he remains out on bail.

NY judge gives Hunter Biden associate Devon Archer deadline to report to prison on fraud conviction https://t.co/TpTDQULirk

— Just the News (@JustTheNews) February 2, 2024

The conviction

Archer's conviction in 2018 was a result of his involvement in a fraudulent plot orchestrated by businessman Jason Galanis.

The scheme targeted the Wakpamni Lake Community Corp., which misused millions raised through bonds for purposes other than the intended investments, including personal ventures, luxury items, and a new residence.

While Hunter Biden, also a board member of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, was not implicated in the fraudulent scheme, Archer and other participants faced accusations of diverting funds from the corporation's legitimate investments.

Archer, who denied any fraudulent intent, argued that the government's case relied on circumstantial evidence. Initially, the trial judge set aside the jury's guilty verdict, expressing concerns about the potential wrongful conviction of an innocent person.

Appeal denied

However, federal prosecutors appealed, leading the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York to uphold Archer's conviction last year.

Jason Galanis, the main architect of the scheme, pleaded guilty and received a 14-year prison sentence, while other participants either faced convictions at trial or entered guilty pleas.

Archer, in his defense, testified before a Republican-led House committee last summer during an investigation into President Joe Biden.

The latest

The committee aimed to establish connections between the president and his son's overseas business dealings. Archer, acknowledging his role on Burisma's board, asserted that he had no knowledge of Joe Biden, then vice president, manipulating policies to favor Hunter Biden.

He acknowledged Hunter leveraging the "brand" associated with Joe Biden for business dealings but claimed ignorance of any attempts to influence policies.

The Supreme Court's refusal to hear Archer's appeal solidifies his conviction, emphasizing the legal repercussions of his involvement in the fraud scheme.

The decision raises the likelihood of Archer serving the prescribed prison term and reinforces the legal consequences of financial misconduct within tribal business entities.