Josh DuggarAfter being convicted in late 2021 of possessing and obtaining child porn, he could face up to 20 year imprisonment. However, he has yet not been officially sentenced.
The news broke one day after it was announced in April 2021 that the 19 Kids and CountingArkansas child pornography charges brought against alum led to his arrest. Us WeeklyHe was confirmed to have been indicted on all counts.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas revealed the nature of the charges in a press release on April 30, 2021.
“A Springdale man was arrested yesterday for receiving and possessing material depicting the sexual abuse of children,” the release began. “According to court documents, Joshua James Duggar, 33, allegedly used the internet to download child sexual abuse material. Duggar allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019.”
Josh, the eldest of the children Jim Bob Michelle Duggar,He was held without bond. He was released from jail in May 2021 and was allowed to see his children with supervised visits — though he was not allowed to live with them. The news of Josh’s April arrest came days after his wife, Anna Duggar, announced that they are expecting their seventh child.
“It’s a GIRL!!!!!” Anna wrote via Instagram on April 24, 2021. “We are overjoyed to announce baby seven is on the way and we can’t wait to hold her in our arms this fall!”
The couple, who married in 2008 have seven children: Mackynzie, Michael, Marcus, Meredith, June 2011, Marcus, June 2013, Maryella (November 2017), Mason (September 2017, and Maryella [November 2019]) Madyson Llly (October 2021).
While the Duggars have acknowledged Josh’s behavior was wrong, multiple family members — including Anna, Michelle and Jim Bob — have publicly supported Josh and attended his trial. Michelle and Anna wrote to the judge in May 2022, praising Josh’s behavior and pleading for a maximum sentence of five years.
The controversy surrounding the former TLC personality is not new. Back in 2015, he made headlines when resurfaced court documents revealed he molested five girls — four of which were related to him — between 2002 and 2003. He was between 14 and 15 years of age at the time.
“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,” he said in a statement via Facebook at the time. “We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”
Josh and Anna’s marriage hit another rough patch that August after his Ashley Madison account was revealed. He sought treatment, and the couple began counseling.
“Since the residential treatment program ended, we have been working with a professional marriage and family counselor to take important steps toward healing,” Josh and Anna wrote in a statement in March 2016. “As the future unfolds, we are taking one day at a time and we are grateful for your continued prayers for both of us and our sweet children.”
After delays Josh will be sentenced on May 25, 20,22. You can scroll through to see everything we know about the case:
This article is ongoing. It was first published April 30, 2021 and last updated May 13, 2022.
