Josh Duggar Demands Government's Witnesses Be Sequestered During Criminal Trial
Josh Duggar is fighting with the government over how to handle witnesses who plan to take the stand in his upcoming criminal trial.
According to court documents obtained by Radar, the former TLC star is demanding individuals the prosecutors plan to use in court be sequestered.
Duggar is set to appear in court on November 30 to fight off two felony counts related to possession of child pornography. Prosecutors accuse him of storing the sick material on a computer and laptop found at the car lot he owns in Arkansas.
In his filing, Duggar says he wants all the witnesses separated to avoid them having the chance to speak about the case.
"Duggar also respectfully requests that this Court’s order also prohibit the Government and/or its witnesses from talking to witnesses who are sequestered about the trial or other witnesses’ testimony prior to or during their testimony," his motion reads.
His legal team argues sequestering is necessary "given the nature of the allegations and the significance of prior statements certain witnesses allegedly made. For fairness, it is important that each witness’s testimony not be influenced by what transpires in the courtroom during trial."
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The government is objecting to the strict rules Duggar is demanding. They filed a motion asking the court to enforce the normal rules for witnesses.
"The defendant filed a motion requesting this Court enter an expansive order sequestering witnesses during trial, and specifically requesting that the Government—but not the defense—be prohibited from speaking with its own witnesses during trial," the document stated.
To the extent, the defense is requesting the Government be prohibited from speaking with its own witnesses during trial, the Government asks this Court to deny the defendant’s request," they added.
The judge presiding over the case has yet to rule on the matter. Duggar is currently out on bond and living with his parent's church friends. His wife Anna has remained by his side despite the disturbing claims presented in court documents.
