Josh Duggar was sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison after being convicted of possessing and receiving child pornography in late 2021.
In April 2021, news emerged that the 19 Kids and Counting star was arrested in Arkansas on child pornography charges, which Us Weekly confirmed through his indictment.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas detailed the charges in an April 30, 2021, press release.
“A Springdale man was arrested yesterday for receiving and possessing material depicting the sexual abuse of children,” the release stated. “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 Duggar, the eldest son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, was held without bond. In May 2021, he was released from jail and permitted to see his children under supervision, though he was not allowed to reside with them. His arrest came shortly after his wife, Anna Duggar, announced they were expecting their seventh child.
The couple, married since 2008, have seven children: Mackynzie (born October 2009), Michael (June 2011), Marcus (June 2013), Meredith (July 2015), Mason (September 2017), Maryella (November 2019), and Madyson Lilly (born October 2021).
The Duggar family has recognized Josh’s wrongdoing, yet several members, including Anna, Michelle, and Jim Bob, have publicly supported him and attended his trial. In May 2022, Michelle and Anna submitted letters to the judge, advocating for a minimum sentence of five years.
Following several delays, Josh Duggar was sentenced on May 25, 2022. Scroll through for more details on the case.
