Before the sentencing, an Arkansas judge dropped one of Josh's previous charges without prejudice, noting that the disgraced former reality star didn't knowingly distribute pornography.
- May 26, 2022
AceShowbiz - Josh Duggar will spend his time behind bars soon. It was reported that the former star of the "19 Kids and Counting" has been sentenced to more than 12 years in jail for receiving and possessing child pornography.
Sentencing Josh on Wednesday, May 25 was Arkansas Judge Timothy L. Brooks, who called his crimes "the sickest of the sick." The judge, however, dropped one of his previous charges without prejudice, noting that the disgraced former reality star didn't knowingly distribute pornography.
Josh will either serve his time at a prison in Seagoville, Texas, or at a facility in Texarkana, Arkansas. While the judge recommended the latter because it has a "good" sex offender program, his placement will ultimately depend on bed space.
The sentencing took place after being delayed since April 5. Josh's wife Anna Duggar and his father Jim Bob Duggar were reportedly inside the courtroom.
Josh was arrested by the U.S. Marshals and held at the Washington County jail in April 2021. The TV personality, who was accused of using the internet to download material related to child sexual abuse, some of which "depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12," previously entered a not guilty plea.
Josh was convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography in December 2021. He initially faced up to 40 years in prison, 20 years for each count of which he was found guilty, and fines of $250,000 for each count.
Despite his conviction, his mother Michelle Duggar continued showing support to him. Recently, Michelle requested leniency in a letter regarding Josh's sentencing, arguing that he's a good person at heart. "[Josh] has friends and family who will love and support him in his abilities to succeed as a husband, father, business owner, and man both now and in the future," she wrote, noting that she still offers her "continued love and encouragement to [Josh]."
