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Josh Duggar's Child Pornography Arrest Was A 'Surprise' To Family — 'This Is A Very Sad Time,' Says Derick Dillard

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Source: Derick Dillard/Instagram; TLC

Apr. 30 2021, Published 3:26 p.m. ET

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Josh Duggar's family is speaking out after the fired reality star was charged on Friday, April 30, with receipt and possession of child pornography.

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Derick Dillard — Josh's brother-in-law, who is married to Jill Duggar — told Radar that the family was "surprised" when Josh, 33, was arrested and booked into the Washington County Detention Center on Thursday, April 29, by federal agents in Arkansas. He was placed on federal hold with no bail.

"This is a very sad time for our family," he continued. "That's our only comment at this time."

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During Duggar's first appearance before U.S. District Court Western District of Arkansas Judge Erin Wiedemann via Zoom, Duggar pleaded not guilty to both charges.

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As OK! reported, Wiedemann requested for Duggar to have a third-party custodian if he is released on bond. In addition, the judge requested that the residence where he would stay must be without minor children.

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Duggar will remain in custody until a May 5 detention hearing, it was reported. If convicted, Duggar faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each count.

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According to a press release, in May 2019, the former 19 Kids and Counting star downloaded material of child sexual abuse, "some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12."

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At the time of his arrest, insiders close to the reality star family shared how they were doing during this uncertain time.

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"The family has known that this has been coming for weeks, and Josh has been preparing himself,” an insider said, OK! reported. “Family members are extremely concerned by what is happening and they just want to find out the truth.

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"They are praying together for Josh and Anna, who is standing by her husband as she always has," they added, referring to Josh's wife.

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News of his charges for child pornography comes after TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting was canceled in 2015 because Duggar was accused of molesting a slew of underage girls — including four of his sisters — when he was just 14 years old. 

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While Duggar couldn't be charged for the alleged crimes due to the statute of limitations, he issued an apology.

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"Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends," Duggar said in a statement at the time. "I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling."

News of his troubling charges also comes days after his wife announced the duo is expecting their seventh child together.

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