The patriarch and matriarch of the Duggar clan, Jim Bob and Michelle, have broken their silence after their son, Joseph, was arrested and charged with ‘lewd and lascivious behavior’ and ‘unlawful sexual activity with a minor.’
Joseph, who became known through his time featured in the hit TLC show 19 Kids and Counting, is the second Duggar child to be arrested for sex crimes against minors, after their eldest son Josh was convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material.
A spokesperson for the family told USA Today:
“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation. Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim,” the statement continued. “They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”
Other members of the Duggar clan have weighed in, including Jason and his wife Maddie, who said in a statement:
In a jailhouse phone call with his wife, Kendra, who was arrested and then released on child endangerment charges , Joseph said he’s been spending 23 hours a day in solitary confinement and has been reading the Bible during this time.
A judge set Joseph’s bond at $600,000, which he posted. He pled not guilty to all charges and is due back in court on April 20th.
