The family of Kendra Duggar, the embattled spouse of accused molester Joseph Duggar, say they’re ‘troubled, ‘heartbroken’ and ‘devastated’ in their first public comments in the near month since both landed in legal hot water.
‘Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law,’ the Caldwell family said in a statement on their Instagram account.
Joseph, 31, was arrested March 18 in connection with lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim less than 12-years-old, according to Florida’s Bay County Sheriff’s Office. He has pleaded not guilty on all charges, and is slated to appear in court May 18.
Kendra, 27, was arrested in Arkansas on March 20 in connection with endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment. Both have since been released on bail.
The Caldwell family said they were ‘devastated for the young girl’ involved, describing her as a ‘child who was courageous in every way to share her truth,’ and vowing, ‘We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will.’
Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for the Duggar family for further comment on the story.
The family of Kendra Duggar, 27, the embattled spouse of accused molester Joseph Duggar, 31, say they’re ‘troubled, ‘heartbroken’ and ‘devastated’ in their first public comments in the near month since both were arrested last month
The Caldwell family said they were ‘devastated for the young girl’ involved, describing her as a ‘child who was courageous in every way to share her truth,’ and vowing, ‘We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will’
The Caldwells said of the victim, ‘Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy.’
The Caldwell family, echoing previous sentiments the Duggar side has made following Joseph’s arrest, say they’ve turned to their faith in trying to get through the tough time.
‘We believe in a God who is just and loving,’ said Kendra’s family. ‘One who loves all of His children, especially the vulnerable and innocent.
‘We pray all victims of crimes can be as courageous as this young girl is.
‘They should be able to share their story, to trust in the judicial process, and to do so without fear of retaliation. You are not alone.’
The Caldwells addressed the suffering of Kendra and Joseph’s four young kids after his arrest in connection with child sex charges, years after his older brother Josh disgraced the Duggar family with a series of sordid scandals that ultimately landed him in prison.
‘At the same time, we also recognize how traumatic this incident has been for our grandchildren as well and continue to pray for their strength,’ they said. ‘Our love for them, and our daughter Kendra, remains.’
The family said they feel ‘the only way to freedom is to shine light in the darkness,’ ‘and in this time, part of the light in our lives has come through the outpouring of love and prayer from people near and far.’
Joseph, 31, was arrested March 18 in connection with lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim less than 12-years-old, according to Florida’s Bay County Sheriff’s Office
Joseph and Kendra wed in 2017 and are parents to four young children
They concluded: ‘Thank you who have given in all the ways, through prayer, finances, time, energy and words of encouragement. We love you all.
‘At this time, we have no further comment and request privacy.’
The incident involving Joe occurred in 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida during a vacation, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
‘As the vacation continued, he also asked [the victim] to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket,’ officials said. ‘During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and grazed her genitals.
‘Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs. The victim stated Duggar eventually apologized for his actions and the incidents stopped after the apology.’
Joseph and Kendra wed in 2017 and are parents to four young children – ages seven, six, five and three.
Oldest son Josh’s past molestation of five young girls led to the swift cancellation of the family’s TLC series in 2015.
The show, which began airing in 2008, was centered on Michelle and Jim Bob, the devout Arkansas couple who named all 19 of their children with the first letter J.
Jim Bob and wife Michelle posted a statement on Facebook at the time explaining how they dealt with the initial incident.
Joseph has pleaded not guilty on all charges and is slated to appear in court May 18.
Josh Duggar is currently serving a prison sentence in connection with his 2021 conviction for receiving and possessing material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
‘Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives,’ they said in a May 21, 2015 Facebook post. ‘When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes and we were shocked.
‘We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before.’
Jim Bob and Michelle continued, ‘We pray that as people watch our lives they see that we are not a perfect family. We have challenges and struggles everyday. ‘
Josh, 38, is currently serving a prison sentence in connection with his 2021 conviction for receiving and possessing material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
For those who have been impacted by sexual abuse, text ‘STRENGTH’ to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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