Former 19 Kids and Counting star Jill Duggar Dillard has broken her silence on the shocking news of her brother, Joseph Duggar’s, recent arrest.
Duggar, who is 31-years-old, was arrested on March 18 on charges of child molestation. The alleged incident happened in 2020 and involved a 9-year-old girl who has since come forward to report the abuse.
The victim alleges that she was on vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, and was prompted by Duggar to sit on his lap before he then sexually assaulted her.
Jill Duggar Dillard, Joseph Duggar’s older sister, released a statement on behalf of her husband, Derick Dillard, and herself. The statement was shared on their personal family website. They also shared a link to the statement on social media.
“We were shocked yesterday evening to learn of Jill’s brother (Joseph Duggar’s) arrest. We first learned of anything related to his charges yesterday via a text from a friend who messaged us about the recent media reports of Joseph’s arrest and his alleged confession to molesting a juvenile female in 2020. We are shocked and heartbroken,” the statement begins.
“We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved. Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family,” the statement continues. “We pray God gives her strength, comfort, and hope, and that she is able to get all the help and support she needs and deserves in the days ahead.”
The statement concluded by emphasizing the love they have for Kendra Caldwell Duggar, Joseph Duggar’s wife, and the couple’s four children.
This is the second member of the Duggar family to face charges related to sex crimes against children. Joshua Duggar, the oldest child of the family, is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence after being convicted of child pornography. He was also accused of abusing five minor girls, including his own younger sisters.
