NEWS'It Is Our Prayer That The Truth, No Matter What It Is, Will Come To Light': Jim Bob, Michelle Duggar Break Their Silence After Oldest Son Josh Is Arrested On Child Porn Charges
April 30 2021, Published 8:14 p.m. ET
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have spoken out after their eldest son Josh Duggar was arrested by federal agents on child pornography charges.
"We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious," their joint statement released on Friday reads. "It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family."
According to reports, Jim Bob knew his son's child porn arrest was "imminent." The 55-year-old Duggar matriarch was said to have met with his children and warned them that Josh was facing serious federal charges.
"Jim Bob told all his kids and their spouses on Thursday morning that Josh would be arrested imminently," a source told The Sun, adding that he instructed each of them to turn to their faith and keep Josh's wife Anna Duggar in their prayers.
"He asked them all to pray for Josh and Anna, and trust that God would bring them closer together through the tough time," the insider says.
Josh's parents are the latest family members of his to speak out following the arrest. Derick Dillard — Josh's brother-in-law, who is married to Jill Duggar — told Radar that the family was "surprised" when Josh, 33, was arrested and booked into the Washington County Detention Center on Thursday, April 29 in Arkansas and placed on federal hold with no bail.
During Duggar's first appearance before U.S. District Court Western District of Arkansas Judge Erin Wiedemann via Zoom, Duggar pleaded not guilty to both charges.
As OK! reported, Wiedemann requested for Duggar to have a third-party custodian if he is released on bond. In addition, the judge requested that the residence where he would stay must be without minor children.
Duggar will remain in custody until a May 5 detention hearing, it was reported. If convicted, Duggar faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each count. While he is there, his family is not allowed visitation from his family, Radar reports.
- Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar Break Silence On Son Josh's Guilty Verdict In Child Porn Trial: 'The Entire Ordeal Has Been Very Grievous'
- Josh Duggar's Child Pornography Arrest Was A 'Surprise' To Family — 'This Is A Very Sad Time,' Says Derick Dillard
- Jill & Derick Dillard Issue Statement After Josh Duggar Is Found Guilty In Child Porn Trial, Declare 'Nobody Is Above The Law'
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According to a press release, in May 2019, the former 19 Kids and Counting star downloaded material of child sexual abuse, "some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12."
At the time of his arrest, insiders close to the reality star family shared how they were doing during this uncertain time.
"The family has known that this has been coming for weeks, and Josh has been preparing himself,” an insider said, OK! reported. “Family members are extremely concerned by what is happening and they just want to find out the truth.
"They are praying together for Josh and Anna, who is standing by her husband as she always has," they added.
News of his charges for child pornography comes after TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting was canceled in 2015 because Duggar was accused of molesting a slew of underage girls — including four of his sisters — when he was just 14 years old.
While Duggar couldn't be charged for the alleged crimes due to the statute of limitations, he issued an apology.
"Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends," Duggar said in a statement at the time. "I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling."
News of his troubling charges also comes days after his wife announced the duo is expecting their seventh child together.
