Source: Screenshot, YouTube
Editor’s Note: Added information about the trial verdict that came in 12.9.2021 as an update to this article.
Today, a jury in Arkansas found Josh Duggar guilty on child pornography charges. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was found guilty on two counts of downloading and possessing child pornography. The jury reached the verdict in just under seven hours of deliberation
He faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each count. The sentencing will take place in about four months.
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Closing Arguments Begin Today In Josh Duggar Child Pornography Trial
Closing arguments are set to begin today in the child pornography trial of former “19 Kids And Counting” star Josh Duggar after both sides rested on Tuesday.
Josh Duggar refused to take a plea deal, which is why his case is in court. He’s maintained his innocence from the very beginning and has quite a few supporters in his corner.
Duggar is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography. The former reality TV star has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors have claimed that Duggar downloaded images of children as young as 7 being “violated,” according to Buzzfeed News.
“Hold him accountable,” US Assistant Attorney Dustin Roberts said in court.
Prosecutors allege that Duggar used a device that virtually “split” his HP desktop work computer into “two independent sides.”
This then allowed him to use his office computer for work purposes on one side while browsing illegal content on the other.
Related: Federal Investigation Reveals How Josh Duggar Bypassed The Porn Monitoring Software On His PC
The New York Times reported that Duggar had previously admitted to molesting several young girls as a teenager, with four of his sisters being victims.
“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret,” he told People Magazine in 2015. “I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation.”
“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,” Duggar added. “I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”
Prior to that, a career in politics appeared to be in the cards for Duggar. He previously worked on the 2008 presidential campaign of Mike Huckabee and on the 2012 presidential campaign of former Senator Rick Santorum, a Republican in Pennsylvania.
This trial comes weeks after Duggar’s wife Anna announced the birth of their seventh child on Instagram.
Related: Duggar Family Members Speak Out About Josh’s Arrest – Anna Duggar’s Response Will Surprise Some
A source told People Magazine earlier this year that Anna is “standing by” her husband.
“She thinks Josh is innocent,” the source said. “[Josh] has seen [his] children with Anna there. She has to be there.”
Duggar’s parents Jim Bob and Michelle have also voiced their support for their son.
“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious,” they said earlier this year. “It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.”
It remains to be seen how Duggar’s trial will play out for him.
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