Josh Duggar Trial Update: Judge Responds To Motion Regarding Testimony Of Prior Molestations
As of Wednesday morning, there is a new Josh Duggar trial update. As you may know, the former 19 Kids & Counting star is in the midst of a child sexual abuse material (or child pornography) trial. He was arrested in the spring for receiving and possessing child pornography. He’s facing decades behind bars, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees if convicted. On Tuesday, the jury was selected. The trial continues throughout this week.
Bobye Holt’s testimony and how it could affect the trial
Duggar fans and critics have been on the lookout for more news about the trial. As we reported, Duggar family friend, Bobye Holt, testified in an evidentiary hearing. She revealed many disturbing details about Josh’s prior molestation scandal when he inappropriately touched several young girls.
When this happened, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, as well as Bobye and her husband, Jim Holt, had a conversation with Josh regarding the incident. So, she knows many of the details of the molestations. You can read more about Bobye’s testimony here.
Jim Bob was also asked to testify on the molestations but claimed he didn’t remember many of the details of Josh’s confession. Up to this point, it’s been unclear whether Josh’s prior molestations could be used in the current trial.
When Bobye shared her testimony, Josh’s defense team filed a motion saying that she had “clergy privilege.” This essentially means that clergy have to keep things confidential and cannot use them in court. So, Josh’s team attempted to have the testimony prohibited.
However, Bobye explained that women in their religion aren’t given leadership positions, so she was never a member of the clergy.
For months, there has been speculation about whether the molestations could be included in the current trial. Though it’s too late for Josh to go to jail for these acts, they may help show that he didn’t download the explicit content by accident. His past actions could show that there was a motive for him to access child pornography.
Josh Duggar trial update: judge responds to the motion regarding molestation testimony.
As of Wednesday morning, we have an update on whether the molestation testimonies can be used. In a document on Court Listener, it’s been revealed that the government’s motion has been granted, and the defense’s motion has been denied. This means that Bobye’s testimony can be used.
One section of the motion reads, “The Court found Mr. Duggar’s selective lapse in memory to be not credible; he was obviously reluctant to testify against his son. In any event, his testimony is not necessary for the Government to introduce Rule 414 evidence at trial; Mrs. Holt’s testimony is sufficient.”
The motion also states, “The prior acts do not have to be identical to the current charges to be admissible. Indeed, the Eighth Circuit has held that hands-on child-molestation offenses are relevant to show a defendant’s propensity to commit child pornography crimes.”
Additionally, Jill Dillard, one of Josh’s victims, was listed as a possible witness after Tuesday’s court session. At this point, there is no confirmation on whether she will testify.
So, does it surprise you that Josh’s prior molestations can be a part of this trial? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
For more Josh Duggar trial updates, come back to TV Shows Ace. We’ll continue to share updates throughout the duration of the trial.
- Joy-Anna & James Duggar Secretly Feuding Or Innocent Mistake? - November 1, 2023
- Matt Roloff’s Brother Breaks Silence On Why He Won’t Join ‘LPBW’ - November 1, 2023
- ‘Bringing Up Bates’ Erin Bates & Chad Paine Welcome Baby #6 - October 31, 2023