Josh Duggar’s Trial: Prosecution Recommends Max Sentence Ahead of May 25 Sentencing
Josh Duggar’s sentencing is just days away. A jury found the father of seven guilty on two child pornography counts on December 9. The sentencing, set for May 25, is the culmination of a nearly two-year investigation into Duggar after federal agents intercepted child sexual abuse images he had downloaded to a computer at the used car lot he owned. The Duggar family shuttered the lot following a raid on the property. Josh Duggar faces up to 20 years behind bars, and the prosecution is asking a federal judge to impose the maximum sentence on the troubled reality TV star. His defense team has requested a much lighter sentence.
The prosecution recommends maximum sentence for Josh Duggar
Ahead of Josh Duggar’s sentencing, both the prosecution and the defense submitted memos to the judge. KNWA, a local news outlet, obtained the memos. According to the news organization, The prosecution’s filing described how Josh Duggar circumvented computer safety software to access the dark web. The memo notes that the convict went to great lengths to obtain the images that federal agents found on his computer.
The memo also stated that Josh’s previous actions, including the molestation of his siblings and a family friend when he was still a teen, indicate the pervasive and long-lasting nature of his sexual interest in minors. Because of his past behavior and the nature and number of images downloaded, the prosecution recommends judge Timothy L. Brooks impose the maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The defense requests a sentence of no more than 60 months behind bars
While the prosecution has asked Judge Timothy L. Brooks to sentence Josh to 20 years behind bars, his defense team has requested a much different sentence. In a memo to the judge, Josh’s defense team claims several enhancements utilized by the prosecution do not apply. The defense memo claims Josh’s teen behavior should not be factored into the sentence. Duggar’s lawyers have requested that Judge Brooks sentence Josh to no more than 60 months (five years) behind bars. Their recommendation is a far cry from the prosecution’s recommendation.
During the trial, Josh Duggar’s defense team attempted to argue that the father of seven did not download the images found on the computer. For several days, Josh Duggar’s lawyer, Justin Gelfand, claimed that someone could have downloaded the images remotely, effectively “framing” Josh Duggar. The jury found that Gelfand did not provide sufficient evidence to back up that claim.
Where will Josh Duggar serve his prison sentence?
Judge Brooks will sentence Josh Duggar on May 25. After sentencing, federal agents will move the former reality TV star from a local detention center to a federal prison to serve his time. It is unknown where agents will move Duggar, but it won’t be close to his family’s Springdale, Arkansas home.
There is just one federal prison in Arkansas, and it is located more than four hours from Springdale. Anna Duggar, Josh’s wife, appears to be sticking close to the Duggars for now. There is no telling what she’ll do if the judge imposes a heavy sentence, though.
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.
