The popular TLC reality program “19 Kids and Counting” is off the air and the Duggar family is in full damage control mode after a report that one of the children, Josh Duggar, molested 5 underage girls while he was a teenager. The incidents occurred in 2002 and 2003 and the online story quoted reports from the Springdale, Arkansas Police Department. At least one of the alleged victims was reportedly a family member.
This is an ugly cross to bear for a family that has worked hard to present a righteous Christian wholesome family image.
Many wonder whether Josh will be prosecuted for these crimes. Although there are many laws that have been put in place to extend the statute of limitations in sex crimes, according to criminal defense lawyers, under Arkansas law, too much time has passed to prosecute Josh. However, since statistically sex crimes have a high recidivism rate, it may be that there are other victims who will come forward with claims that would be timely to support legal action against him.
In a statement on Facebook Josh said, “Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret.” Duggar added, “I hurt others, including my family and close friends. 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. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”
Josh Duggar is the oldest child in the family that stars in the popular show, “19 Kids and Counting,” which began as “17 Kids and Counting” in 2008. Duggar, his wife, Anna, and their three children live in Washington, where Duggar worked as executive director of FRC Action, the nonprofit lobbying arm of the Family Research Council. He’s since resigned from the conservative Christian group.
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Darren is an accomplished TV personality, attorney, interventionist, keynote speaker, and 'misbehavior expert' who appears constantly on countless TV and radio shows.