The Duggar family was rocked this week when eldest sonJosh Duggarwas arrested and accused of possessing child pornography two years ago — a crime that could land him in prison for decades, if he is convicted.
He hasdenied the allegations, which are the latest startling development in the tumultuous personal life of the 33-year-old former19 Kids and Countingstar.
Here’s what we know about the case against Josh, which traces back to 2019, and what his family was doing amid the now-public investigation.
May 2019: ‘Allegedly Possessed This Material’
According to a news release from federal prosecutors, Josh “allegedly used the internet to download child sexual abuse material … [he] allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019.”
November 2019: Homeland Security at Josh’s Work
A Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the agents' presence to KNWA but did not provide further details of their work or comment on whether Josh was part of the probe.
It was not clear, following Josh’s arrest this week, whether his charges were connected to that activity.
November 2019: Duggar Family Addresses Homeland Security Reports
In a statement to PEOPLE at the time, a spokesperson for the family said initial reporting that agents had gone to the Duggar home were untrue.
They continued: “Living a life in the public’s eye has taught us that it is best not to reply to every rumor and piece of ‘fake news’ that is circulated online. It would be a full-time job if we attempted to do so. However, because of tonight’s media coverage we thought it is important to address this rumor with you. Thank you for the love and support that we can always count on in you our fans and friends.”
Nov. 27, 2019: Welcoming Sixth Child
Days after reports of Homeland Security’s involvement at Josh’s office, he and wifeAnna Duggarhad their sixth child,a daughter.
The couple had previously weathered the fallout from Josh’s scandals: first, when reports surfaced in 2015that he molested five girlswhen he was a teenager, including two of his sisters.
Later in 2015,he admittedto cheating on Anna and to having an “addiction” to internet pornography. Hefaced criticismfrom some of his extended family,including Anna’s brother.
The couple saidthey were in marriage counselingthe following year and markedtheir 12-year anniversaryin October.
October 2020: Losing a Lawsuit
KNWAreported that an investment company Josh ownedlost a real estate lawsuit after missing a court date.
The suit traced back to an ownership dispute over property in Arkansas.
April 23, 2021: A Seventh Child
Anna, 32, announced she is pregnant with the couple’s seventh child, a girl. Shesoon respondedto a social media commenter who questioned how the family supported themselves. “Does Josh even work?” the user wrote.
“Yes, my husband is a diligent worker and provides well for our family,” Anna replied.
April 29, 2021: Josh’s Arrest
April 30, 2021: Initial Hearing and Defense Responds
Josh appeared for his initial hearing, via Zoom, on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.
His attorney declined to have the judge read the charges against him, though prosecutors said he faces one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
He pleaded not guilty and remains in custody pending a bail hearing on Wednesday.
If released, he wouldnot be allowed to live with minors, the judge said.
In a statement, his attorneys, Justin Gelfand, Travis W. Story and Greg Payne, said they would challenge the case in court.
“Josh Duggar has been charged in a two-count indictment. He has pled not guilty to both charges and we intend to defend this case aggressively and thoroughly. In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you’re accused, you can fight back in the courtroom — and that is exactly what Josh intends to do,” his defense said.
In a news release of their own, federal prosecutors said Josh could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison or a $250,000 fine per charge, if convicted.
In asubsequent statement, Josh’s parents said:
“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. 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. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.”
Josh’s sister Jinger Duggar posted her own statement on social media: “We are disturbed to hear of the charges against Josh. While this case must go through the legal system, we want to make it clear that we absolutely condemn any form of child abuse and fully support the authorities and judicial process in their pursuit of justice.”
Listen below to the episode ofour daily podcast PEOPLE Every Dayfor more on Josh Duggar.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
