NEWSJana Duggar Speaks Out After 'Scary Accident' That Left Her Charged With Child Endangerment, Jessa Seewald Publicly Defends Her Sister
Jana Duggar has revealed why she was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.
The reality star, 31, took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, December 14, to explain what led to her run-in with the law back in September.
“I prefer a more private life, but I know my last name means that everything we do is open to public criticism and interest, especially during this time," Jana began her statement, while seemingly referring to brother Josh Duggar's recent child pornography scandal.
“The raw facts: I was babysitting a few months ago when one of the children wandered outside alone," the 19 Kids and Counting alum detailed of the incident. “A passerby who saw the child called the police."
“This resulted in a written citation, as well as a follow-up with child welfare who concluded that it was an accident and the child was unharmed," she continued in the note. “They recognized it was a case of a child slipping out of the house when you turn your back for a moment."
“It all happened so quickly and was scary," Jana candidly added. “I am grateful for law enforcement and those who protect and serve our community. I was certainly never arrested like some may have implied.”
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Jana's younger sister Jessa Seewald also took to her own Instagram Story to staunchly defend her sibling. "Getting messages about headlines about Jana. Bottom line — it was an innocent mistake," the 29-year-old wrote to her followers.
"She was babysitting and one of the kids slipped out the door unnoticed, but it ended safely," Jessa insisted, doubling down on Jana's claim. "Could've happened to anyone. The media is sensationalizing this because of other current family circumstances and it makes me so mad."
"She's without question one of the most amazing women I know and I'd trust her with my kids any day of the week," the statement continued. "Do me a favor — give the girl a break, and all you perfect humans go back to living your lives."
This has not been the only Duggar controversy as of late. As OK! previously reported, their brother Josh was recently found guilty on two counts of possessing and receiving child pornography. He is currently staying in the Washington County jail as he awaits sentencing. Josh's verdict was revealed on Thursday, December 9, one day before news of Jana's charge made headlines.
