33-year-old Josh Duggar smiled in his mugshot as he faces up to 40 years in prison.
The former reality star, father of seven, and political activist was found guilty of downloading ‘the worst of the worst’ videos of children being abused and humiliated.
He looked anxiously at his wife Anna, also 33, and his father Jim Bob, 56, but showed only a little emotion when jurors were asked to reaffirm their decision.
But the 19 Kids and Counting star broke down in tears when he was placed in handcuffs.
“I love you,” he mouthed to his wife, who remained composed during the hearing before crying on a supporter’s arm as it ended.
Justin, Duggar’s younger brother, wept quietly as he watched him being led away to prison.
Their father bowed his head before hugging Anna.
Speaking to Daily Mail, Derrick Dillard, Josh’s sister Jill’s husband, said: “We don’t want to say anything yet. Jill is going through a hard time right now.”
Wearing a white shirt, black suit, and striped tie, Duggar was transported to Washington County Detention Center.
Defense attorney Justin Gelfand immediately announced plans to appeal and said outside the court: “We respect the jurors’ verdicts and we look forward to continuing this fight. We plan to appeal at the appropriate time.”
Acting US Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas David Clay Fowlkes told reporters: “This case represents a significant milestone for the Western District of Arkansas in our continued efforts to combat child abuse.”
“It first and foremost shows that no person is above the law regardless of their status, regardless of their wealth, regardless of their fame,” he added.
Duggar’s cousin, 35-year-old Amy Duggar King, shared her prayers for the jury, judge, and victims. “Thank you Jesus. Justice has been served,” she wrote.
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