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Josh Duggar's Sister Says She's 'Disturbed' By Child Porn Allegations As His Attorneys Vow To Fight Charges In Court
Josh Duggar's sister Jinger Vuolo and other members of his family have been sharing their reactions after his arrest on federal child pornography charges, which could land him behind bars for 40 years.
Former “19 Kids and Counting” star Josh Duggar's family is speaking out after he was slapped with child pornography charges in federal court last week.
“We are disturbed to hear of the charges against Josh,” Josh’s sister, Jinger Vuolo, wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Josh, 33, is facing one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography after authorities say he “used the internet to download child sexual abuse material.” Some of the images allegedly depicted children less than 12 years old, according to an indictment in the case obtained by Oxygen.com.
Josh’s legal team—made up of attorneys Justin Gelfand, Travis W. Story and Greg Payne—said in a joint statement to Oxygen.com they plan to fight the charges.
“He has pled not guilty to both charges and we intend to defend this case aggressively and thoroughly,” they said. “In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you’re accused, you can fight back in the courtroom—and that is exactly what Josh intends to do.”
After news of the arrest, Josh’s younger sister, Jessa Seewald and her husband Ben Seewald weighed in on the allegations, posting matching statements on their Instagram Stories, according to People.
“We are saddened to hear of the charges against Josh,” the statement said. “As Christians, we stand against any form of pornography or abuse and we desire for the truth to be exposed, whatever that may be.”
They added that their prayers were with Josh’s family “as they walk through this difficult time.”
Josh’s famous parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, echoed a similar sentiment in a separate statement obtained by People.
“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious,” they said. “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.”
Josh appeared in court Friday via Zoom, wearing a striped jail uniform, to enter the not guilty pleas to the charges against him.
If convicted on the federal charges against him, Josh could face up to 40 years behind bars and fines up to $500,000.
His bond hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday; however, U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Erin Wiedemann cautioned him that “given the nature of the charges against him” he would likely need a third-party custodian to step forward to ensure he would follow the conditions of his release before bond would be granted.
Wiedemann added that there would also need to be “no minors in the home.”
Josh and his wife Anna announced the couple was expecting their seventh child, a girl, on Instagram just days before the arrest.
“19 Kids and Counting”—the reality television show that first launched the Duggar family to fame—was canceled in 2015 after it was revealed that Josh had been investigated years earlier by police for allegedly inappropriately touching five underage girls, including several of his sisters, as a teenager.
Later that same year, Josh once again found himself at the center of controversy after it was revealed that the purported family man was an active member on Ashley Madison, a website catered to helping spouses cheat, and had been unfaithful to his wife.
