Josh Duggar Sentenced 12 Years In Prison For Child Pornography; Planning To Appeal

Josh Duggar will spend the next 12 and a half years behind bars after pleading guilty to child porn charges.

The judgment was handed down by U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks on Wednesday. Duggar was also ordered to pay $50,100 in fines and special assessments and undergo 20 years of parole supervision upon his release. On the day of sentencing, the judge agreed to drop his possession of child pornography charge. He received 151 months solely for the charge of receiving child pornography.

Last May, Homeland Security agent Gerald Faulkner testified that Duggar had downloaded more than 200 files containing multiple images and videos showing the sexual abuse of children ranging from 18 months to 12 years old. In November, one of his close friends also testified that Duggar admitted to molesting several girls. He has also been accused of molesting his own sisters.

Judge Brooks slammed Duggar during sentencing, calling him and sex offenders who indulge in pornography featuring young children “the sickest of the sick.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts described the 34-year-old as a “savvy offender.” They were initially seeking a 20-year sentence.

Duggar’s lead defense attorney Justin Gelfand says his legal team would be appealing the verdict.