Josh Duggar’s mom and wife have written to the judge pleading for a light sentence after he was found guilty of receiving and possessing abuse material.
His mom and wife argued in the letter to the judge that Josh is “considerate” and “respectful.”
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The Duggars first rose to fame thanks to the reality show 19 Kids and Counting.
But while the family portrayed a wholesome image…
There have been quite a few scandals over the years.
So much so that TLC eventually pulled the plug on the show in 2015 following Josh Duggar’s scandal involving young children.
At the time, Josh said: “Twelve years ago, as a young teenager. I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret.”
He continued: “We spoke with authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling.”
The incidents occurred when he was fourteen, in 2002 and 2003.
The family didn’t report the incidents until the statute of limitations passed in 2006. At the time Josh said he believed God showed him mercy and gave him redemption.
Then, last year, Josh was arrested and charged with receiving and possessing child p****graphy.
People reported that Josh was arrested on charges of child p****graphy as he was found to have more than 200 images of children on his computer.
Homeland Security special agent Gerald Faulkner described the things found as “in the top 5 of the worst of the worst that I’ve ever had to examine,” the Daily Mail reported.
Faulkner also said that Josh downloaded files that included “a series of child s*xual abuse material involving minor children.”
Despite the finding, Josh was granted jail release ahead of his trial…
And, he was also still permitted to have contact with his children.
In December 2021, following a trial in Arkansas, Josh was found guilty of receiving and possessing abuse material.
Josh has been in prison since the verdict and is due to be sentenced later this month.
But, ahead of the sentencing, Josh’s mom, Michelle, and his wife, Anna have wrote to the judge asking for a light sentence.
According to the Daily Mail, Josh’s defense team have this week filed a sentencing memorandum which included character references from Michelle, and Anna in which they pleaded with the judge.
The outlet reports that in his mom’s letter she wrote that she wished to “share some things about Joshua’s character that may not be fully known to the court” in the hope that they will be “taken into consideration as a fair and just sentence is determined.”
Describing him as having a “tender heart” and as someone who is “compassionate,” Michelle wrote: “If someone is having a difficult time, he is one of the first to encourage or try to help them in a tangible way.”
“Joshua has always been a positive and upbeat person,” she continued. “He is wife financially, saving money for the future and purposing not to go into debt.”
“He is a good provider for his family, working diligently and thinking of creative ways to support and care of his wife and children. He is also generous and shares his resources with others in need.”
In the letter, Michelle also described Josh as “organized,” “diligent,” “loving” and “patient.”
At the end she added that she stands “ready to offer my continued love and encouragement to Joshua and his family and for their success in the future – together.”
“We ask that he would be reunited with his wife and family in a timely manner.”
Anna also wrote to the judge where she shared details about their marriage and what, she claims, Josh is like.
She began by writing: “Joshua and I met 16 years ago. As our friendship grew over the next two years, I saw what I know to be even more true today — that Joshua is considerate, respectful, quick to forgive, patient, and genuinely the kindest person I know. We were happily married on September 26, 2008.”
Anna wrote how about Josh would “spend hours out of his day chatting with and listening to various homeless people” and how many “customers also became our friends.”
“It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from; Joshua cared for each person because they are created in the image of God, and that is what determines their value, not social status.”
She continued to say that Josh “worked hard to provide for me and our (now) seven children” but, that the happiest part of the day was “when Daddy comes home from work.”
“Joshua is an engaged dad who gladly throws a football with his sons, listens to our daughters play a new song they have learned on the piano, helps answer homework questions, or lends a hand sweeping up spilled crackers,” she wrote. “He is a kind, loving, supporive, and caring father and husband.”
Stating that she and their children rely on Josh for “financial, emotional, and physical support,” she went on to explain that when friend of theirs died, Josh “took it upon himself to financially support his widow.”
Anna then wrote that Josh “embodies the quote by Ronald Reagan: There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
At the end of her letter, Anna wrote: “Joshua is surrounded by people who will encourage him to continue to become the best man, father, and employee he can be.”
“I ask that you consider reuniting us as a family again soon. I understand the seriousness of this matter, however, I respectfully ask that you take this letter into consideration when determining a fair sentence.”
Josh Duggar is due to be sentenced on May 25th, the outlet reports.