Former reality TV star Josh Duggar faces child pornography charges

Now according to Newsweek, Josh Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting is facing charges of “receipt and possession of child pornography.” Duggar denied both charges in front of a judge at the Western District of Arkansas Federal Court.

Newsweek cites a federal indictment that claims Duggar "received and possessed child pornography" of kids under the age of 12, back in May 2019. The Reuters write-up says that former reality TV star obtained the material at some point in the middle of that month.

If convicted, Josh Duggar faces $250,000 fines per charge, and up to 20 years in prison. Judge Erin Wiedemann had specific instructions for his upcoming bond hearing on May 5th, including not allowing Josh Duggar to be around minors. "Given the nature of the charges against him, the court would likely require a third-party custodian that could live with him and would ensure compliance with the conditions of bond."

Duggar’s attorneys put out a statement adamantly denying the charges and saying they’ll “defend this case aggressively and thoroughly."

The announcement of charges against Josh Duggar is resurfacing a May 2015 controversy involving him and other members of the 19 Kids and Counting family. When an expose from inTouch magazine revealed allegations that Josh Duggar molested five girls, it ultimately revealed four of his five victims were members of Duggar’s own family.

The TV show was cancelled by TLC after that. Josh himself resigned from his job at the Family Research Council after this news had broken.

The trial is set for July 6th.