Former reality star Josh Duggar charged with child pornography, pleads not guilty

Former reality television show star Josh Duggar plead not guilty to federal child pornography charges this week, counts for which he could face up to two decades in prison if convicted.

Duggar, who became known internationally as the eldest of Arkansas residents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s 19 children via their reality television show, was arrested in Arkansas on Thursday and charged with the alleged crimes. 

The charges stem from alleged possession of child pornography in May of 2019. 

Duggar has requested to be released on bond; if granted, he would be forbidden from being around minors during his release. 

In a statement on their website, the Duggar family acknowledged that "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," they said. "We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family."