Jill (Duggar) Dillard and Derick Dillard speak after Josh Duggar was convicted following a conviction for child pornography on Wednesday.
In a statement on her family blog on Thursday, Jill and Derek said that “they were neither happy nor disappointed with the sentence, but we are grateful that it is finally over.”
“Yesterday we learned that Josh received a 151 month sentence in federal prison for his CSAM offense. [child sex abuse material]”The last few weeks and months have been emotionally difficult.” Yesterday was another tough day. “
Continuing, the couple said, “The Bible clearly states that God does justice and vengeance through governmental authorities. Although some believe that Josh should have received a greater sentence, even fewer believe a lighter sentence, God has carried out his revenge. today for his unspeakable criminal activity “.
“To date, he has yet to be held accountable to the extent necessary to bring about a change in his dangerous pattern of behavior,” they wrote. “It’s unfortunate, but it looks like he could spend more than a decade in federal prison, and even more on parole, so that Josh has the potential to rehabilitate to the point where he can live safely in society again.”
ill and Derick Dillard find “justice and revenge” on Josh Duggar’s federal prison sentence
Jill and Derick Dillard
RELATED: Amy Duggar King reacts to cousin Josh Duggar’s sentence: “Twelve and a half years is not enough”
The statement ended with Jill and Derick saying that they hope “Josh can start receiving treatment and start working for a lifestyle where he is less likely to relapse.”
“If nothing else, the notoriety of this case has been expected to contribute to the deterrence of potential offenders and will help protect children by reducing the demand for CSAM,” they added. “We continue to love Josh and his family and we will be there for them as best we can.”
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Former 19-year-old 19-year-old Kids and Counting received her sentence from U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks of the Western District of Arkansas Federal Court in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Prior to Duggar’s sentencing, he was found guilty in December of two charges of knowingly possessing and possessing images of child pornography.
josh duggar
Danny Johnston / AP / Shutterstock Josh Duggar
RELATED: A count against Josh Duggar is removed in the middle of a child pornography sentence
On Wednesday, with the agreement of both the defense and the prosecution, the court overturned the conviction on charge 2. Judge Brooks noted that possession is a lesser offense than the receipt of child pornography.
Judge Brooks further ruled that Josh did not knowingly distribute child pornography images and upheld the defense’s objection to this possible improvement of Duggar’s sentence.
As a result of Wednesday’s vacation, Josh faced up to 20 years in prison and up to $ 250,000 in fines (previously facing that potential maximum sentence for each conviction).
RELATED: Josh Duggar’s mother, Michelle, says she has a “tender heart” at the request for clemency before sentencing
Prior to sentencing, her mother Michelle Duggar wrote a letter of support to her son asking for clemency in consideration of his “tender heart,” and Michelle added that Josh “is compassionate with others.” He also called for Josh to “meet with his wife and family in a timely manner.”
Josh’s wife, Anna, said her husband was a “loving, caring, caring father” in her own letter to Judge Brooks.
RELATED: Amy Duggar is “furious” at “delusional” family for supporting Josh Duggar before child pornography sentence
However, Josh’s cousin, Amy (Duggar) King, issued her own statement to PEOPLE before sentencing, sharing: “I don’t think anyone made the mistake of assuming I support my cousin.”
“I am furious with the family looking the other way and still today I refuse to hold them accountable,” he added.
Amy, who later wrote an open letter instantly to Anna about divorcing Josh, concluded her statement to POPLE: “In my opinion, 20 years could never come closer to justice for harmed children. .. My heart aches for your children during this time. “
josh duggar
Kris Connor / Getty Josh Duggar
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Josh was arrested in April 2021 in connection with receiving and possessing child pornography. In December 2021, he was found guilty of two counts of knowingly obtaining and possessing the material. As a result of these convictions, he could have been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and up to $ 250,000 in fines for the crime. In January, his legal team competed unsuccessfully for acquittal after presenting new evidence.
At the time of Josh’s verdict, many of his relatives reacted to the news, including Jill and Derick.
“It has been difficult for our family today. Our hearts go out to the victims of child abuse or any kind of exploitation,” reads a statement posted on the Dillard family’s website.
“We are grateful for the hard work of law enforcement, including investigators, forensic analysts, prosecutors and all others involved in rescuing children and holding those responsible for their abuse accountable,” his joint statement continued. “No one is above the law. It applies equally to everyone, regardless of your wealth, status, associations, gender, race, or any other factor. Today, people in the western district of Arkansas made it clear in his verdict “.
RELATED: Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard say “hard today” after Josh Duggar was found guilty of child pornography
Michelle and Josh’s father, Jim Bob, also spoke after the verdict.
“This whole ordeal has been very serious. Today, the grace of God, through the love and prayers of so many, has sustained us. Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has been harmed through the CSAM. [Child Sexual Abuse Material]”, wrote the couple in a statement posted on their family’s website.
“In the coming days, we will do our best to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and her children with love and support,” they added. “As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua and loving him, as we do all our children. In every circumstance of life, we trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers. “
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Josh’s conviction was just the latest in a series of personal scandals that shook his family: the reality show that made them famous was canceled in 2015 after a 2006 police report was released. which revealed that Josh had been investigated in connection with allegations of harassment. four younger girls when he was a boy and a teenager.
Later, in 2015, he also admitted to having an addiction to pornography and being “unfaithful” in his marriage.
Counting On, a 19 Kids and Counting spin-off that followed his younger siblings, was canceled after he was arrested on child pornography charges.