Josh Duggar faces new blow as government demands to keep his desktop computer in child pornography case before trial

JOSH Duggar is facing a new blow in his child pornography case, as the government is demanding to keep his computer before trial. 

Josh, 33, was arrested and charged with possessing and receiving child pornography in April 2021. 

From Josh’s now-closed used car lot Wholesale Motorcars, the Government seized his HP Desktop Computer All-in-One, Apple iPhone, MacBook Pro, Digital Video Recorder Drive, 8GB thumb drive,16 GB SD Card, an 8GB Micro SD Card and a 4 GB Thumb Drive, according to court papers. 

Homeland Security raided the dealership in November 2019 as part of the federal investigation. 

The Sun can exclusively reveal the government filed a “notice of its intention to seek the forfeiture of the following property: HP Desktop All-In-One,” court papers from November 1 state. 

The government is essentially requesting the court keep the property once seized.

TAKING HIS CHANCES AT TRIAL

Josh pleaded not guilty to the two child pornography counts. 

The trial has been set for November 30 and has the potential to last until December 3. 

The Sun previously reported Josh had until October 18 to accept a plea agreement and change his non-guilty plea. 

No change of plea was filed. 

If Josh files a change of plea after October 18, it will be considered an “open plea,” meaning he will plead guilty without the benefit of a plea agreement.

The court, however, could grant an exception if they are able to show good cause up to 10 days before trial. 

DISMISSAL DENIED

In September, the judge denied his request to throw out the case. 

Attorneys for Josh first filed a motion to dismiss the case because the government allegedly failed to preserve evidence favorable to a defendant that could exonerate him of the crime.