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Former reality TV star Josh Duggar was given nearly two months of additional jail time on top of his existing 12-and-a-half-year sentence, according to prison records.
Duggar, 35, is condemned of child pornography charges in 2021.
Duggar’s extended sentence comes after he was caught with a contraband cellphone last month. As a result, the 19 Kids and Counting The former castmate was placed in solitary confinement.
Representatives for Duggar have not commented publicly on his extended sentence.
In December 2021, Duggar was convicted of downloading and possessing child pornography after a Little Rock, Ark., police detective found that child pornography files were being shared by a computer traced to Duggar. A federal agent testified in 2020 that images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including children, were downloaded in 2019 to a computer at a car dealership owned by Duggar.
Duggar later apologize for being addicted to pornography and for cheating on his wife, calling himself “the biggest hypocrite ever.”
He has, however, maintained his innocence regarding the child pornography convictions. His lawyers are still looking to overturn his sentence.
TLC was cancelled 19 Kids and Counting, which featured the large Duggar clan, in 2015 following revelations that he molested four of his sisters and a babysitter. Authorities began investigating the abuse in 2006 after receiving a tip from a family friend.
No charges were brought against Duggar in these instances, as the statute of limitations had expired.
Duggar’s original prison release date was set for Aug. 12, 2032. As a result of the extension, Duggar is now scheduled to be released on Oct. 2, 2032. He is serving a sentence at FCI Seagovillee prison, near Dallas.
— On files from Global News’ Michelle Butterfield
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or is involved in an abusive situation, please visit Canadian Resource Center for Victims of Crime for help. They can also be reached toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.
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