What We Know About Josh Duggar's Prison Sentence

Trigger warning: Sexual abuse towards children.

Some former fans of "19 Kids and Counting" weren't as shocked as you would expect them to be when news hit that Josh Duggar, once a star of the TLC reality series, was arrested for the possession of child sexual abuse material (via CNN). The show was canceled in 2015 amidst an uproar following the revelation that Duggar sexually assaulted several of his sisters while they were children (via ABC News); it wasn't hard to believe that he had committed yet another crime.

However, Duggar's most recent run-in with the law was especially heartbreaking. He was arrested and indicted on charges of possession of child sexual abuse material, otherwise known as child pornography. The latter is a term advocates are urging the public to move away from when describing explicit photos of children who are victims, according to the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children.

The verdict in Duggar's trial was delivered in late 2021, and he was found guilty. He faced up to 20 years behind bars (per People). Many were anxiously awaiting his sentencing, and now we have some answers.

Josh Duggar, the 34-year-old disgraced member of the former reality TV family, has been sentenced for his charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. While he faced up to 20 years for the crimes he committed, he was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison (via In Touch Weekly). His legal council has made it clear that they plan to appeal the decision.

During the trial, Duggar was convicted on two charges of knowingly receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. However, Josh Duggar's prison sentencing will not reflect this, as Judge Timothy L. Brooks chose to drop the second count against him (via People). The judge also recommended Duggar spend time at a treatment center for sexual offenders. However, doing so is optional.

While several of Duggar's siblings, including Jill Dillard and Jinger Vuolo, have spoken out in support of their brother's verdict (per Showbiz Cheat Sheet), his wife Anna Duggar and parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar stood behind him with support throughout his trial (via USA Today).

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).