Jana Duggar addresses Joseph Duggar arrest as family denies prior knowledge

Jana Duggar says family had no prior knowledge of Joseph Duggar charges before they became public

Jana Duggar has issued a public statement following the arrest of her brother Joseph Duggar on child molestation charges, stating that the family was unaware of the allegations before they became public.

In a message shared on April 2, Jana said the situation had come as a shock. “We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the situation involving my brother, Joseph,” she wrote. She added that the family “had no prior knowledge before it became public.”

“Our hearts are with the child who has been harmed - this is a grievous and unacceptable wrong,” she said, adding that the family is praying for the victim and for justice to be carried out.

Joseph Duggar, 31, is accused of sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl during a family holiday in Florida in 2020. He faces two felony counts related to lewd and lascivious behaviour, including molestation of a minor under the age of 12.

He was arrested in Arkansas on March 18 and later extradited to Florida, where he made his first court appearance on March 31.

Court records show he entered a not guilty plea, waived arraignment and requested a jury trial. A judge set his bond at $600,000.

As part of his release conditions, Duggar is prohibited from unsupervised contact with minors, including his own children. His next court hearing has been scheduled for May 18.

Other members of the Duggar family have also commented on the case, expressing concern for the alleged victim and calling for legal accountability.