Josh Duggar’s Trial: Official Sentencing Date Announced
Josh Duggar’s arrest and trial grabbed the attention of Duggar family followers for several months in 2021. While the 33-year-old former reality TV star was found guilty on two child pornography charges back in December 2021, he has yet to receive his sentence. Family followers awaiting news of Josh’s sentencing won’t have to wait much longer, though. Judge Timothy L. Brooks announced that Josh Duggar will be sentenced, barring any major changes, on April 5 at 9:30 am.
Josh Duggar’s trial ended in a guilty verdict on December 9
Federal agents arrested Josh in April 2021 after a lengthy investigation into his online behavior. Shortly after he was arrested, it was revealed that Josh was being charged with two charges associated with receiving and possessing child sexual abuse images. He was released on bond in early May but was ordered to live with a chaperone. The stipulation of his bond required him to stay away from minor children and not access the internet.
In late November 2021, Josh Duggar’s trial began. The trial stretched out over two workweeks. The jury heard testimony from computer experts, federal agents, and even Duggar family associates. On December 9, the jury returned a guilty verdict. Josh was remanded to a detention center, and his family, including his wife, Anna Duggar, and his father, Jim Bob Duggar, were seen hastily leaving the courthouse.
Judge Timothy L. Brooks announced Josh Duggar’s sentencing date
Josh Duggar’s trial might be long over, but he still has to face sentencing. When a jury convicted Josh on December 9, Judge Timothy L. Brooks noted that Josh Duggar’s sentencing would not happen for several months. Things fell quiet over the holiday season, but they are now ramping back up. According to KNWA, a local news station, Judge Brooks announced that Duggar will be sentenced for his crimes on April 5. The court hearing will begin at 9:30 am.
Josh has been held in a local detention center since his December 9 guilty verdict. That isn’t where he will serve out his sentence, though. Once Judge Brooks sentences Josh, federal agents will move him to a federal facility. What facility he’ll call home is anyone’s guess at this point.
The only federal detention center in the Duggar’s home state is in Forrest City, Arkansas. Forrest City is more than four hours from the Duggar compound in Tontitown, Arkansas. He might not serve his time there, though. It’s possible that federal agents could move him to an out-of-state detention center with a management program designed for sex offenders.
What could his prison term look like?
In the months since Josh Duggar’s trial and guilt verdict, family followers have scoured over the rules and attempted to ascertain just how long the troubled father of seven could spend behind bars. While each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars, Josh isn’t likely to serve 40 years for his crimes.
According to legal expert and YouTuber, Emily D. Baker, federal sentencing guidelines requires the judge to sentence Duggar on the most serious charge only. Baker revealed that the range of outcomes for Josh’s crimes is a sentence ranging from five years up to 20 years in prison. In a video following the verdict, Baker theorized that Duggar is likely to be sentenced to between eight and 12 years behind bars.
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.
