Josh Duggar’s Appeal for New Child Pornography Trial Rejected, Remaining in Prison
Josh Duggar, known for his role in TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, will continue to serve his 12.5-year prison sentence for downloading child sex abuse images. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit recently upheld his previous conviction, denying his appeal for a new trial. Consequently, Duggar will stay in prison until October 2023.
The investigation into Duggar began when Little Rock police discovered child sexual abuse material being shared through a computer linked to him. In 2019, explicit images involving the sexual abuse of children, including toddlers, were found on a computer located at a car dealership owned by Duggar.
In April 2021, Duggar was arrested by Homeland Security and held without bond until his trial eight months later. His lawyer filed an appeal in October of that year, claiming a violation of Duggar’s rights and seeking a new trial. During a hearing in February 2023, the defense argued that Duggar’s phone was seized while he was attempting to secure legal representation, suggesting improper handling by federal agents before his arrest.
Furthermore, Duggar’s legal team contended that statements made by their client during the search of his business should not have been admissible in court as he wasn’t accompanied by his attorney. Prosecutors, however, presented Duggar’s comments asking about child pornography downloads as evidence against him. The appeals panel ruled that Duggar’s rights had been read to him and that he was not considered in custody during the questioning. They also noted that he ended the interview voluntarily and left the dealership without being arrested.
In 2015, TLC canceled 19 Kids and Counting amidst allegations of Duggar’s past molestation of his sisters and a babysitter. The authorities had investigated the incidents in 2006 but determined that the statute of limitations had expired. Duggar’s parents publicly acknowledged the allegations at the time and stated that he had confessed and privately apologized for the misconduct. Duggar also made public apologies for unspecified behavior, resigned from his position as a lobbyist for the Family Research Council, and admitted to struggling with a pornography addiction, seeking treatment for it.
Source: “Josh Duggar will remain in prison after court rejects appeal for new child-porn trial,” Global News
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