Josh Duggar trial ends: The conclusion and the guilty verdict By KARK 4 News

Today, it’s my honor and privilege to join in this announcement of a guilty verdict. In the case of United States versus Josh Duggar. It took about seven hours for a federal jury to decide. Josh Duggar’s, fate finding him guilty on two charges of receipt and possession of child pornography. We’ve been bringing you developments all day on KRQE.com. And as we begin here at four pm, former reality TV star, Josh Duggar is in federal custody. Tonight. We’re going to get a legal perspective on how we got

This point in just a few moments. And what’s next? But we begin with breaking news. Anchor, Mitch McCoy with what happened in court today match. Well Mallory, good afternoon to you. Good afternoon. Everyone. The jury came back with their verdict. Mid-morning deciding guilty on both of those child porn charges over the last six days of the trial. The US attorney said Dugger was the only one there at the time that he legal, child, sexual abuse. Material was being downloaded and viewed on his computer. The defense has been reiterating points.

Saying the investigator ignored other possible suspects because quote, they were so Starstruck about the possibility of Prosecuting. Josh Duggar, the US attorney in the defense spoke right after that guilty verdict.

Regardless of their status in society, regardless of their wealth, regardless of their Fame. This case shows that no person is above the law. We respect the jury’s verdict and we look forward to continuing this final appeal. You heard the defense’s comment there. It was very brave, only a sentence or two, but you heard him say that they do plan on appealing. Today’s verdict. There were brief arguments on Duggars custody status. The judge ultimately ruling that he will remain in jail while awaiting.

Sentencing that is expected to happen in about four months. He faces up to 20 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines Mallory and Mitch McCoy live in the studio. Mitch. Thank you. We want to send it over to former prosecutor. Kelly Ward. She joins us live. She’s now a partner at camps and Ward Law Firm Kelly. Thank you so much for joining us today. We want to begin with your thoughts on today’s verdict. Well Mallory, I’m not surprised by the verdict, the prosecution had a strong case.

Had evidence that there was child pornography on a computer that was associated with Josh Duggar. Of course, the defense, they put forth a good argument that the computer could have been hacked. That there was no direct evidence that he was the one that was downloading. That downloaded the child pornography. But in the end, the prosecution was able to put forth more evidence that mr. Duggar had committed acts of child molestation against

for victims that were under the age of 12 and with that evidence in combination with what was found on the computer, the jury’s thought that, that was enough to convict him of the two charges. And can you tell us what comes next? Can you walk us through how the sentencing process will work? Sure. So in federal court, there would not be a jury sentencing and as there would be in State Court. There is a pre-sentence investigation that’s ordered by the judge. It’s done by the u.s. Probation office. They come.

I’ll report about the defendant in this case. Josh Duggar’s, criminal history, family history. Just basically everything about the person and the offense, and they provide that to the court. And then, there is a sentencing hearing which takes place about anywhere from three to six months. They’re saying about four months in this case, from the actual verdict. So, in state court, it’s a little different in that, there would be a jury sentencing immediately after the guilty verdict, and we would notice them.

Since you know today or tomorrow, so, is this sentencing? You say typical for cases, like these? Yes, and the two charges that he was convicted of. The minimum sentence is five years for their receipt of child pornography. So and that’s one thing. The judge was looking at when he was considering whether to release him pre-sentence, is that he is facing a minimum sentence of five years in the bureau presence so that him being detained prior to his

Sentencing is is presumed and less the defense can come up with clear and convincing evidence that he’s not a danger to the community, which is tough when you’ve just been convicted of two, sex offenses, holy war, joining us live this afternoon Kelly. Thank you so much for joining us, walking us through that process of what comes next. We appreciate you. Thank you again.