Josh Duggar's wife Anna and mom Michelle beg judge for leniency in child porn sentencing
WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS: Josh Duggar is facing up to two decades behind bars after being found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography. However, his mother and his wife are pleading with the judge for a lighter sentence saying he has a "tender heart" and is "considerate, respectful, and patient."
The former reality TV star from the TLC series '19 Kids and Counting' has been remanded in custody since he was found guilty on December 9, 2021. While his sentencing is scheduled for May 25, his defense team has filed its sentencing memorandum with character references from his mother Michelle, and his wife Anna. In her letter to the judge, Michelle, 55, described her son as "compassionate toward others" and "a positive and upbeat person" who should be "reunited with his wife and family in a timely manner." Meanwhile, Anna, 33, said in her letter that she was still "happily married" to Josh, whom she described as "the kindest person I know" and a "loving, supportive, and caring father" to his seven children.
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Anna gushed about her husband of 13 years, saying he was "considerate, respectful, quick to forgive, patient and genuinely the kindest person." She wrote in her letter, "Joshua has worked hard to provide for me and our (now) seven children. But the happiest part of the day by far is when Daddy comes home from work, and his cheerful voice fills the house. ‘Hey, guys! How's it going? What did you learn about in school today?’ are usually the conversation starters in between greeting each of our children."
The doting wife continued, “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. He is a kind, loving, supportive, and caring father and husband—his primary focus in life. My children and I rely on Joshua for financial, emotional, and physical support. Many others depend on Joshua, too. Joshua is a man who frequently volunteers his time, services, and resources, striving to contribute to our community and people in need.”
Anna also noted how her husband interacted with homeless people, financially supported his late friend's widow, hired people in need at his car lot, et cetera. In conclusion, she wrote, “Joshua is surrounded by people who will encourage him to continue to become the best man, father, and employer 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.”
Letter by homeschool alumna Anna Duggar to the court sentencing her husband, child molester and homeschool alumnus Josh Duggar. pic.twitter.com/1QBaAeqtPK
— R.L. Stollar (@RLStollar) May 12, 2022
Meanwhile, Josh's mother Michelle wrote in her letter how her son has "friends and family who love and support him in his abilities to succeed as a husband, father and business owner, and man both now and in the future!” She said her son has a "tender heart" and is "compassionate towards others." Her letter continued, “Joshua is a loving and patient man, striving to be a blessing and provide for his family! He has also spent quality time with his wife and children learning life skills together and going on family outings. Side by side, Joshua and his family have built forts, learned how to work on bicycles and other vehicles, gone camping, hiking, fished, and played countless games and sports - together!”
Letter by homeschool celebrity Michelle Duggar to the court sentencing her son, child molester and homeschool alumnus Josh Duggar. pic.twitter.com/Y67trSCcmo
— R.L. Stollar (@RLStollar) May 12, 2022
In conclusion, Michelle wrote, “As I look to his return, I stand 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.”