Josh Duggar in 2014.Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty
AfterJosh Duggarwasordered to serve more than 12 years in federal prison, those responsible for his conviction and sentencing had some harsh words for the former reality star and others convicted of child pornography offenses.
U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks handed down Duggar’s 151-month sentence on Wednesday, which also stipulated he pay $50,100 in fines and special assessments and be subject to 20 years of post-release parole supervision.
After the proceedings at the Western District of Arkansas Federal Courthouse in Fayetteville, Judge Brooks described the materials Josh was convicted of downloading as “horrific and sick.”
Last May, Homeland Security agent Gerald Faulknertestifiedthat Duggar had downloaded torrent files that included “a series of child sexual abuse material involving minor children ranging from about 18 months of age to 12 years of age.”
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On Wednesday, Judge Brooks called sex offenders who look at pornography with such young children “the sickest of the sick.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts — who worked to get the 34-year-old convicted on two charges of knowingly receiving and possessing child pornography — described Duggar as a “savvy offender” with a “pattern of pervasive, longstanding sexual interest in minors.”
And though the prosecution agreed todrop one conviction against Duggarearlier in the day, reducing the total time he could serve and financial penalties he would face, Roberts reiterated after the sentencing hearing that the prosecution had request Duggar serve a full 240 months (20 years) in prison.
However, Judge Brooks did note that the former19 Kids and Countingstar had no criminal convictions and hadmore family supportthan most defendants in federal court. He also pointed out Josh had drastically fewer images than the typical child pornography defendant.
Josh Duggar.Kris Connor/Getty
Gelfand added that Josh Duggar “exemplifies hard work” and “is a good person who has so much more to offer his family and his community.”
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Fowlkes said he hoped this trial sends a message to the victims of child pornography that “they are real. Their pain is real. And we will do everything within our power to make sure justice is served.”
source: people.com
