Josh Duggar pleaded not guilty on Friday when he appeared virtually in district court for his arraignment.
The disgraced reality star and devout Baptist was seen smiling in his jail clothing while waiting for his case to be heard. He has obtained a lawyer who requested the judge not read out the numerous charges against his client
The judge asked the former 19 Kids and Counting star, “Do you understand what you’ve been charged with?” Josh replied, “Yes, your honor.”
Counting On: Josh Duggar Pleads Not Guilty, Banned From Being Near Minors
After pleading not guilty, Josh learned he will remain behind bars as he awaits a bond hearing. U.S Chief Magistrate Judge Erin L. Wiedemann did say that if the 33-year old is awarded bail, he will be banned from being in a residence where there are minors in the home.
With six children in his home, and a seventh on the way, this means Josh will not be allowed to return to his family if the bail is eventually granted. The detention hearing to determine if he can be released on bail is scheduled for Wednesday May 5.
Josh turned himself in to a Fayetteville, Arkansas police station on Thursday, April 29, his embattled wife, Anna by his side. A source close to the Duggar family says Anna is “standing by” her scandal plagued husband.
While the charges were not made public, it is presumed it is in connection with a “federal probe” raid made on the used car lot where Josh Duggar used to work. Homeland Security were seen on the car lot and inside Josh’s office. The used-car lot has since closed.
While no charges were filed against Josh until 2021, the Duggar family has been preparing for Josh to turn himself in and for what looks to be an extended stay behind bars.
“Family members are extremely concerned by what is happening and they just want to find out the truth,” the family insider said.
It is not wonderful timing for Josh’s immediate family. Only days ago his wife, Anna announced her seventh pregnancy and clapped back at trolls who wondered how they could afford all their kids, saying that Josh is an excellent provider for their large family.
This new arrest comes six years after it was discovered Josh had molested 5 minors, including his sisters, when he was a teen.
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