Topline
Josh Duggar, known for the former TLC reality show 19 Kids And Counting about his large family, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison Wednesday after he was found guilty in December on child pornography charges, according to multiple reports.
Josh Duggar speaks during the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the … [+] Gaylord National Resort Hotel and Convention Center on February 28, 2015 in National Harbor, Maryland.
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Key Facts
Judge Timothy Brooks in Fayetteville, Arkansas, sentenced Duggar to 151 months behind bars, TV stations KNWA and KSFM reported.
Duggar was initially found guilty of one count of receiving and one count of possessing child pornography, but on Wednesday, his possession conviction was dropped before sentencing, according to People and local outlet 4029 News.
Duggar, 34, had requested a sentence of only five years, while prosecutors pushed for the maximum sentence of 20 years.
Key Background
Duggar’s expanding family, helmed by his parents Jim Bob and Michelle, gained prominence in 2008. The brood’s reality show lasted until 2015, when it was canceled after it was alleged Duggar previously molested some of his sisters and a babysitter. He also publicly apologized to his wife for a cheating on her and for a pornography addiction. A spinoff called Counting On ran on the network from 2015 to 2020. Duggar was arrested in April of last year after child pornography images were accessed on a computer at a car dealership he owned. He pleaded not guilty. During the trial, authorities testified that the images included the abuse of toddlers. Duggar denied that he downloaded the images and has maintained that he’s innocent. Before sentencing, a judge denied Duggar’s request for a new trial or an acquittal. Prosecutors referred to Duggar’s alleged molestation history in their sentencing memorandum, writing, “This past conduct, when viewed alongside the conduct for which he has been convicted, makes clear that Duggar has a deep-seated, pervasive, and violent sexual interest in children, and a willingness to act on that interest.” The father of seven awaited sentencing in jail.
Further Reading
Ex-reality star Josh Duggar to be sentenced for child porn (Associated Press)
Josh Duggar From ‘19 Kids And Counting’ Found Guilty On Child Pornography Charges (Forbes)
Josh Duggar From ‘19 Kids And Counting’ Charged With Child Pornography Possession (Forbes)