Jessa Duggar said in a statement that she is “deeply saddened” by the actions of her brother Joseph, who was arrested last month on child sexual abuse charges.
“Like everyone around the world, we are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news about our brother Joseph,” Jessa, 33, wrote on her Instagram Story on Thursday. “Our hearts hurt for this innocent girl and the harm she suffered.”
She continued: “We know this is a grave mistake and one that grieves the heart of God, who cares deeply about children and vulnerable people. We lift her up in prayer and ask for comfort, healing and justice.”
Joseph, 31, was arrested by Tontitown, Arkansas police on March 18 on suspicion of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl during a family trip to Bay County, Florida, in 2020.
The embattled “19 Kids and Counting” alumna has been charged with sexual abuse of a victim under 12 and lewd and lascivious conduct by a person over 18.
After pleading not guilty in the case, he was released on $600,000 bail on Tuesday and flew back to his home state of Arkansas from Bay County, where he had been extradited.
However, Jessa is just the latest member of the Duggar family to address Joseph’s alleged behavior and recent arrest.
Jill Duggar, another of Joseph’s 18 siblings, said she and her husband were “shocked” but “support the rule of law” and “hope justice will be served” for her brother, the alleged victim.
“My heart goes out to the innocent boy and his family who were the victims of this unspeakable crime,” Jill, 34, wrote in a March 19 blog post.
Meanwhile, Jason Duggar said he and his wife are “shocked,” “confused” and “disgusted” by his brother’s alleged actions.
“Like many people, we have spent the past week feeling completely shocked, confused, and saddened to name a few emotions,” the couple wrote on Instagram on March 26. “I’m tired of hearing about my brother’s death, but this is not how it affected our lives.”
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar finally addressed their son’s arrest in a statement to Page Six on March 30th.
A spokesperson for the couple said the couple was “heartbroken by this entire situation” but “loves their family and is focused on helping Joseph’s wife Kendra and their four children” during “this difficult time.”
“They are praying for the victims,” the Duggar and Matriarch’s representatives concluded. “They have asked for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers that so many have offered.”
Joy-Anna and Jana are among the Duggar siblings speaking out about their brother’s arrest and alleged sexual abuse of a 9-year-old girl.
Joy-Anna, 28, called the allegations against Joseph “very disturbing”, while Jana admitted “the news came as a shock”.
Josh Duggar, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence for possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material, slammed the accusations as “false.”
On March 20, in addition to child sexual abuse charges, Joseph and Kendra, 27, were sentenced in Arkansas on four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment.
Kendra turned herself in to authorities but was later released on bail. The couple is scheduled to appear in court again later this month.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call our Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
