JESSA Duggar revealed she’s “saddened” by her brother Josh’s child porn charges as she wants the “truth to be exposed.”
She joined her sister Jinger and husband Jeremy Vuolo in condemning Josh’s horrendous actions.
- Read our Josh Duggar live blog for the latest updates
Jessa, 28, and her husband, Ben Seewald, 25, broke their silence after it was revealed that her older brother was being charged with two counts of child pornography.
In their Instagram stories, the couple shared: “We are saddened to hear about the charges against Josh.
“As Christians, we stand against any form of pornography or abuse and we desire for the truth to be exposed, whatever that may be.
“Our prayers are with their family as they walk through this difficult time.”
Jessa joined her sister Jinger in condemning Josh for his actions as the mom of two shared on her Instagram on Friday: “We are disturbed to hear the charges against Josh.
“While this case must go through the legal system, we want to make it clear that we absolutely condemn any form of child abuse and fully support the authorities and judicial process in their pursuit of justice.”
A source told The Celeb Report exclusively that the couple will attempt to “distance themselves” from their brother.
“Jinger and Jeremy have told friends they are disgusted by the charges against Josh.
“They don’t want anything to do with him while this is ongoing and are distancing themselves from it all.
“They’ve been shaken by what is happening, especially Jinger.
“They are in constant touch with family, but their children are their primary focus, and it’s devastating for everyone involved.”
Parents Jim Bob and Michelle also shared a statement on the family website, but they showed support for their son.
“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time,” the statement read.
“The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious. 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.”
On the other hand, their cousin Amy was speechless and revealed her shock to The Celeb Report exclusively.
She said: “At the moment I have no comment to make. I’m kind of speechless, we just hope it’s not true.
“I spoke with several of my cousins after we heard about the arrest. We’re in shock, but we don’t want to think the worst of someone, you want to think the best.
“If it is true it would absolutely devastate a lot of people.”
Amy, who is married to Dillon King, continued: “Everybody that knows Josh would be devastated. Just thinking about it makes me want to have a glass of wine right now.”
She added that her “hugs” go out to Josh’s pregnant wife Anna, 32, and their six children.
The clothing boutique owner ended: “It breaks my heart. Family is family and I wish the best for everyone.”
These statements came just moments after Josh was charged with two counts of child pornography on Friday.
According to the indictment, Josh “knowingly received child pornography” between or about May 14, 2019 and on or about May 16, 2019.
For the second count, Josh “knowingly possessed material that contained images of child pornography,” including “images of minors under the age of 12.”
Josh has been ordered to forfeit all visual images and property, including video equipment, related to the case.
According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Josh “allegedly used the internet to download child sexual abuse material. Duggar allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019.”
If convicted, he could receive 20 years in prison with fines up to $250,000 on each count.
Josh appeared from jail via zoom for his arraignment on Friday afternoon, as he obtained a lawyer and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A detention hearing has been set for May 5 at 1:30pm to determine if he could be released on bail, as the government requested he remain behind bars.
If released, the judge said Josh must reside with a third party.
She said at the hearing: “The court would likely require a third party custodian that he could reside with that would ensure compliance with the conditions of bond.
“It would need to be a residence where there are no minors in the home. You would need to look for somebody who could ensure to the court that there are no minors in the home or would be visiting unsupervised.”
The Celeb Report previously broke Josh was arrested for the federal charges in Washington County at 1:15 pm on Thursday afternoon.
An insider claimed Josh “turned himself in” without incident.
The head-turning revelation is related to the 2019 Homeland Security raid on Josh’s now-shuttered used car dealership in Springdale, Arkansas, another source told The Celeb Report.
In November 2019, Homeland Security conducted an “ongoing federal investigation” at the lot, but no charges were filed against Josh – until now.
A source exclusively told The Celeb Report of patriarch Jim Bob, 55, his wife Michelle, 54, and their 19 children: “The family has known that this has been coming for weeks, and Josh has been preparing himself.
“They are praying together for Josh and Anna, who is standing by her husband as she always has.
“Family members are extremely concerned by what is happening and they just want to find out the truth.
“They know that this will put them in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, and are stunned they are having to go through this again.”
The insider added: “The family will be speaking out shortly and hope this in many ways will bring them closer together and even closer to God.”
Josh’s wife, Anna, 32, announced she is pregnant with the couple’s seventh child just last week with a gender reveal video.
The arrest comes six years after In Touch Weekly uncovered a 33-page Arkansas police report claiming Jim Bob confessed to local authorities that his eldest son fondled the breasts and genitals of young girls while they were asleep in the Duggar family home back in 2002.
Following the allegations against him, Josh addressed the claim: “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.”
Josh was never charged with any crime related to the incidents.
His younger sisters Jill, 29, and Jessa, 28, came forward as two of the victims in an interview with Megyn Kelly, where they insisted they had forgiven Josh for his sins.
More allegations followed for Josh, as another report just three months later claimed the former TLC star was using adultery dating service Ashley Madison.
He said: “I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the Internet and this has become a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife.”
Soon after, porn star Danica Dillon, whose real name is Ashley Johnston, claimed he assaulted her during a sexual encounter.
In a 2020 interview with The Celeb Report, Ashley, 33, described the alleged incident as being so intense “it felt like this guy tried to kill me.”
Ashley, now a married mom of four, said Josh “knows what he’s done and has to live with his demons.”
Josh has always denied the alleged assault.
Despite the scandals, Anna has stood by her husband’s side.
While not on Counting On anymore, Josh has found it hard to keep a stable job, as he currently lives with Anna and their six children in a run-down warehouse on his parents’ Arkansas property, The Celeb Report exclusively reported.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
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