Josh Duggar Guilty Verdict: Anna Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar Leave Court Without Making Statement
Josh Duggar is guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography, a jury found on Dec. 9. Duggar was arrested in April 2021 after authorities found that a computer at Duggar’s used car lot was being used to share material depicting child sexual abuse.
Duggar previously appeared on his family’s TLC reality series 19 Kids and Counting. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each count.
Anna Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar silent after Josh Duggar’s trial ends in guilty verdict
Various members of the Duggar family were present at the Fayetteville, Ark., federal courthouse throughout the trial, which began on Nov. 30. His wife Anna Duggar and father Jim Bob Duggar were both in the courtroom when the verdict was read on Thursday, KNWA reports.
So far, neither Anna nor Jim Bob — who is currently running for Arkansas state senate — has made a public statement about Josh Duggar’s conviction. Cameras from 5News (via YouTube) captured some members of the family as they left court following the verdict, but they did not speak to reporters.
In addition to Anna and Jim Bob, Josh Duggar’s brother Justin Duggar and his wife Claire Spivey were also seen leaving court. Justin wore a mask and did not make eye contact with cameras. It was a stark contrast to his demeanor when he exited the building during the first week of trial and gave a much-criticized thumbs-up sign.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet reached out to Jim Bob Duggar via his campaign website for a statement on the verdict. We did not hear back by the time of publication.
Josh Duggar verdict proves fame does not put you ‘above the law,’ U.S. Attorney says
Duggar, who was free on bond during the trial, was taken into custody following the verdict. Sentencing will take place in about four months. His lawyers said they plan to appeal. According to KNWA, Duggar appeared “pale and clammy” as he was handcuffed. As left the courtroom, he spoke briefly to Anna.
In a post-trial press conference, U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes stressed that the case was critical in his office’s efforts to stop child abuse. He also said that Duggar’s reality TV fame did not shield him from the consequences of his actions.
“This case was a milestone for our efforts to combat child pornography and child abuse in our district,” he said (5News via YouTube). “It first and foremost shows that no person is above the law, regardless of their status in society, regardless of their wealth, regardless of their fame. This case shows that no person is above the law.”
Jill Duggar’s husband Derick Dillard speaks out after verdict
One member of the extended Duggar family who has spoken about the Josh Duggar verdict is his brother-in-law Derick Dillard. Derick is married to Duggar’s younger sister Jill Duggar. Jill has publicly identified herself as one of several girls Duggar molested when he was a teen. (No charges were ever filed as a result of those allegations.)
“We just wanted to, among other things, see the facts for ourselves,” he told People magazine on Dec. 9. “America is the best country to get justice.”
How to get help: If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support.
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