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Josh Duggar of '19 Kids and Counting' charged with possession of child porn; some victims under the age of 12
Photo by Washington County Sheriff's Office via Getty Images

Josh Duggar of '19 Kids and Counting' charged with possession of child porn; some victims under the age of 12

Authorities have charged former reality TV star Josh Duggar with receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

According to reports, some children featured in the material were under the age of 12.

Authorities arrested Duggar, 33, in Arkansas on Thursday.

What are the details?

Duggar pleaded not guilty Friday to the charges in the Western District Court of Arkansas.

The charges stem from a May 2019 incident in which Duggar was said to have downloaded child pornography.

USA Today reported that a news release on the charges stated, "Duggar allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children."

A judge ordered Duggar held at the Washington County Detention Center until a May 5 bond hearing.

If convicted on the charges, Duggar faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Justin Gelfand, Duggar's lawyer, issued a statement on the embattled former reality star's arrest, saying, "In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you're accused, you can fight back in the courtroom — and that is exactly what Josh intends to do."

Parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar — "19 Kids and Counting" patriarch and matriarch — also issued a statement of support for their eldest son.

The statement said, "We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. 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 be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and [his wife] Anna and continue to pray for their family."

What else?

Duggar's arrest came just days after his wife, Anna, joyfully announced that she is pregnant with the couple's seventh child.

Duggar was previously accused of sexually abusing at least five underage girls — some of whom were his sisters — when he was a teenager.

TLC cancelled "19 Kids and Counting" following the allegations in 2015.

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Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor

Sarah is a former staff writer for TheBlaze, and a former managing editor and producer at TMZ. She resides in Delaware with her family. You can reach her via Twitter at @thesarahdtaylor.