What to Know
After Joseph Duggar was arrested on child molestation charges, his father, Jim Bob Duggar, sent him an email letting him know that he was “forgiven” but would likely face “major consequences.” Joseph, 31, was arrested on March 18 and charged with “lewd and lascivious behavior, involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor,” according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
He’s been accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl during a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, in 2020. Joseph has pleaded not guilty. After posting a $600,000 bond, he was released from jail on March 31. Prior to his release, Jim Bob sent him an email to scold him, but also let him know that he still loves him.
Jim Bob urged his son to make “lemonade out of lemons” while in prison.
In an email obtained by People, Jim Bob told Joseph that he made “terrible decisions” and would face “major consequences.” He also reminded Joseph that he loves him. “Mom & I love you very much,” he wrote, per People. At the same time, he warned, “You have a long road ahead of you.”
“You have made some terrible decisions, but God has already forgiven you if you have asked him,” Jim Bob wrote. He also told Joseph that they would “keep praying” for him.
“You are just going to have to accept the situation at this point and it’s also fine to pray that God would have mercy on you, but you’re probably gonna face a major consequences [sic] for several years to come,” Jim Bob wrote.
Joseph’s parents also reacted in a statement after his arrest.
Just days after Joseph was arrested, his wife, Kendra, was arrested on child endangerment charges. They share four children. After news of Joseph’s arrest broke, Jim Bob and Michelle shared a statement via a spokesperson.
“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” the statement read, per USA Today. “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. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”
Josh Duggar’s wife, Anna, also sent Joseph an email.
Given that her husband is a convicted sex offender himself (who also spent time in the same facility Joseph was in), Anna offered Joseph some advice. In an email obtained by People, she wrote, “Hey Joseph! Bro, you’ve got our prayers. We love you — however we can help, please let us know.”
She added, “Just remember, don’t talk about anything legal unless you are with an attorney. Everything said in these messages, phone calls, and video chats are recorded and turned over to prosecutors.”
Anna told Joseph that Josh’s experience in the facility was “fairly safe.” However, if he ran into any issues or “if there are any concerns for your health, or safety,” he should feel free to reach out to her. According to People, Anna offered to “send some goodies” to Joseph and also praised his wife for being so strong.
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