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(CNN) Former reality TV star Joshua Duggar has been arrested on federal charges related to the possession of child pornography, according to the US Attorney s Office in the Western District of Arkansas.
Duggar allegedly downloaded material that depicted the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, the US attorney s office said in a statement. Duggar allegedly possessed the material in May 2019.
Duggar, the oldest son of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, whose family was the subject of the TLC show 19 Kids and Counting, faces two charges, the indictment shows one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted, the statement said.
Twitter Reacts To Jim Bob, Michelle Duggar s Statement After Josh s Child Pornography Arrest
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Jim Bob Duggar and his wife Michelle thanked fans for their continued prayers after son Josh Duggar s arrest
Twitter users expressed their support to the Duggar family, especially to Josh s pregnant wife Anna
Josh pleaded not guilty to receiving and possessing material depicting the sexual abuse of children during a Friday hearing
Jim Bob Duggar and his wife Michelle Duggar spoke out Friday about their son Josh Duggar s arrest on federal child pornography charges.
In a statement, the former 19 Kids and Counting stars affirmed their love for their eldest son and thanked fans for their continued prayers. They also said they remain hopeful that the truth will prevail after Josh was charged with receiving and possessing material depicting the sexual abuse of children. He pleaded not guilty in a court hearing Friday.
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images19 Kids and Counting stars Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have issued a statement following their son Josh being charged with allegedly possessing and receiving child porn. "We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time," Friday's statement reads, in part. "The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious. 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." Duggar was arrested on Thursday by U.S. Marshals in Arkansas and booked at the Washington County jail. Duggar is accused of downloading child sexual abuse material, some of which depicts children younger than 12, and having it in his possession in May of 2019, according to the indictment. He appeared in an Arkansas courtroom on Friday via Zoom and pleaded not guilty from the Washington County Detention Center. A detention hearing is
Josh Duggar First Image Entering Jail in New Surveillance Footage Following Arrest
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New surveillance footage of Josh Duggar surrounded by law enforcement officials in an Arkansas jail Friday has surfaced. Duggar was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Thursday and booked into Washington County, Arkansas jail without bond. He was arraigned Friday morning and faces two federal charges related to the receipt and possession of child pornography.
The footage, obtained by
NewsNation Now, shows Duggar being led from his cell to a bench, where he sat for the virtual arraignment Friday. One officer pats Duggar down before removing handcuffs. The 33-year-old wore a white sweatshirt, dark pants, and black sneakers. During the hearing, Duggar s attorney, Justin Gelfand, entered a not guilty plea on Duggar s behalf. A bail hearing was scheduled for May 5 and the trial start date set for July 6. The judge said if Duggar is granted bail, he cannot be in a residence with minors.