Josh Duggar’s family continues to respond to the news of his conviction for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.
On Friday, Josh’s younger sister, Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo, issued a lengthy statement condemning her brother’s actions and describing his crimes as a “horrific evil.”
“We are saddened for the victims of horrific child abuse. We are also saddened for Josh’s family, his wife and precious children,” she wrote. “We are saddened for the dishonor this has brought upon Christ’s name. Josh claims to be a Christian.”
Jinger encouraged her followers to show compassion toward the victims and not to judge Christianity based on Josh’s wrongdoing. She also expressed gratitude toward the jury for their decision to convict him.
“Yet, amidst our sadness, there is gratitude. We are grateful that God is a God of justice who cares for the innocent and the helpless. And, of all the people in this world, he especially loves children, who are among the most vulnerable,” she continued.
“This reality makes the existence of sex trafficking and child abuse one of the most horrific evils imaginable. It is an evil God hates.”
“We are thankful to God for exposing Josh’s actions and to a legal system committed to protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty in this case. We are grateful for justice. We are praying for further justice, vindication, protection, and healing for all those who have been wronged,” Jinger concluded.
Josh, 33, was arrested in April and pleaded not guilty to the charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. After an eight-day trial, a jury found him guilty on both counts.
The former reality star, who had previously faced child molestation allegations stemming from his teenage years, now faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. His sentencing is expected to take place in about four months, though a date has not yet been set pending a pre-sentence investigation.
While Jinger did not attend court during Josh’s seven-day trial, several family members were present at various times, including his wife Anna and siblings Jill, Justin, Jessa, and Joy-Anna. Joy-Anna’s husband, Austin Forsyth, and Jill’s husband, Derick Dillard, also attended.
After the verdict was announced, both Jill and Jessa shared individual statements voicing their support for the jury’s decision.
Josh’s parents, Jim Bob, 56, and Michelle Duggar, also broke their silence following the verdict on Thursday.
“In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support,” they wrote in part. “As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children. In each of life’s circumstances, we place our trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers.”
Following the guilty verdict, Josh faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 after being convicted on both counts. His sentencing is expected within four months, though no official date has been determined pending the pre-sentence investigation.