Josh Duggar, the oldest brother in the TLC show "19 Kids and Counting," has admitted molesting underage girls while he was a teenager – perhaps some of his sisters – and he resigned from the Family Research Council.
The molestations occurred in 2002 and 2003, when he was 14,
TMZ reported and said his admission included "some of his sisters." He reportedly fondled the genitals and breasts of girls, some of whom were sleeping.
Duggar, 27, made the public revelation after allegations surfaced in
In Touch weekly as the gossip magazine claimed that Jim Bob Duggar, the family patriarch and former Arkansas legislator, waited more than a year after his son allegedly confessed to the behavior before contacting law enforcement,
reported the Washington Post.
The statute of limitations has now passed, noted TMZ.
In Touch said the then 14-year-old Josh Duggar was investigated for forcible fondling five minors and was investigated by the Springdale Police in Arkansas in 2006. Jim Bob Duggar told police, according to In Touch, that Josh Duggar was disciplined but the family did not tell police at the time.
"Twelve years ago, as a young teenager I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret," Josh Duggar said in a
Facebook post Thursday on the Duggar family site. "I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation."
"We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. … I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life," said the younger Duggar.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar gave their own statement on the same Facebook post, calling Josh's actions one of the "most difficult" times of their lives.
"When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes and we were shocked," the couple stated. "We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before."
Josh Duggar's wife Anna said he confessed his "past teenage mistakes" to her two years before he asked her to marry him, according to TMZ.
Tony Perkins, who leads the Family Research Council,
issued a statement on the organization's website about Duggar's resignation from the group, noted the Post.
"Today Josh Duggar made the decision to resign his position as a result of previously unknown information becoming public concerning events that occurred during his teenage years," said Perkins.
"Josh believes that the situation will make it difficult for him to be effective in his current work. We believe this is the best decision for Josh and his family at this time. We will be praying for everyone involved," said Perkins.
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