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Josh Duggar is a pedophile who should be punishef, but isnt. And he thinks that just because an imaginary God supposedly believes him, he should be free of punishment.
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Josh Duggar
| image = <!-- just the filename, without the File: or Image: prefix or enclosing ] -->
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Joshua James Duggar
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1988|03|03}}
| birth_place = ], Arkansas, United States
| occupation = Car salesman, television personality, political activist
| years_active = 2004–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Anna Keller|2008}}
| children = 3
| known_for = '']''
| religion = ] (])
| party = ]
| parents = ]<br>Michelle (Ruark) Duggar
| relatives = 18 siblings (including ] and ])
| website = http://ja20.com
}}
'''Joshua James''' "'''Josh'''" '''Duggar''' (born March 3, 1988)<ref name= BoyScrapbook>{{cite web|title=Family Scrapbook- The Boys|url=http://www.duggarfamily.com/family-scrapbook-the-boys | publisher= The Duggar Family (official website)|accessdate= May 23, 2015}}</ref> is an American television personality known for his appearances on ] and ] as part of the ] show '']'', which focuses on the life of the Duggar family. Duggar was formerly executive director of FRC Action, the non-profit political action and lobbying arm of the ]. Josh is the eldest of Michelle (Ruark) and ]'s 19 children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=7356|title=Duggar Family - Encyclopedia of Arkansas|work=encyclopediaofarkansas.net}}</ref>

On May 21, 2015, Duggar resigned his position at the Family Research Council, after it became public that during the time he was 14 and 15 years old, he ] five girls, including 4 of his sisters.<ref>{{cite news|title=WATCH: Duggar Sisters Defend Josh in 'Kelly File' Exclusive|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/05/megyn-kelly-interview-duggar-sisters-jill-dillard-and-jessa-seewald-defend-josh-after|accessdate=6 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=5 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Durando|first1=Jessica|title=Josh Duggar's sisters open up about abuse|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2015/06/05/duggars-family-sex-scandal-fox-news-second-interview/28529587/|accessdate=6 June 2015|publisher=USA Today|date=6 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ryder|first=Taryn|url=https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/josh-duggar-named-in-underage-sex-abuse-scandal--report-195532368.html|title=Josh Duggar Responds to Child Molestation Allegations|publisher='']''|date=May 21, 2015|accessdate=May 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://ktla.com/2015/05/25/amid-josh-duggar-molestation-scandal-petitions-call-for-tlc-to-cancel-19-kids-and-counting/ |title= Amid Josh Duggar Molestation Scandal, Petitions Call for TLC to Cancel ’19 Kids and Counting’| agency= ]| publisher=] |date= May 25, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://time.com/3894467/josh-duggar-molestation-claims-2016-presidential-race/ |title= Why Josh Duggar’s Past Will Hurt Social Conservatives| publisher=] |date= May 22, 2015}}</ref> The abuse consisted of fondling their breast and genital regions while they were asleep and sometimes while awake without permission, according to a police report obtained by '']'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shipps|first1=Joan|title=Josh Duggar ‘extremely sorry’ amid claim he molested young girls as a teen|url=http://www.rawstory.com/2015/05/police-report-reveals-josh-duggar-was-accused-of-molesting-young-girls-as-a-teen-including-his-sisters/|accessdate=23 May 2015|publisher=Raw Story|date=21 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="molestation-wapo"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Josh Duggar Accused of Molesting Underage Girls|url=http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Josh-Duggar-Accused-Molesting-Underage-Girls-37547950|work=PopSugar|accessdate=May 22, 2015}}</ref> On May 22, 2015, TLC suspended airing the reality series ''19 Kids and Counting''.

==Early life==
Duggar was raised a ] in ], Arkansas, and is the eldest of 19 siblings.<ref>{{cite news| author =Lilit Marcus| title =Josh Duggar Says He’s Moving to DC to Work in Politics (Updated!)| quote =| newspaper =] blog| date = March 14, 2013| url =http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithgoespop/2013/03/josh-duggar-says-hes-moving-to-dc-to-work-in-politics/| accessdate = May 31, 2015}}</ref> He was ], passing the state's test for a general equivalency diploma (]) at the age of 16.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hamilton|first1=Arnold|title=For Arkansas family, 18's not a crowd|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5iQIl6cSO|accessdate=31 May 2015|publisher=The Dallas Morning News|date=19 December 2005}}</ref>

==Career==

===Reality television personality===
Duggar appeared on the reality series '']'' which aired on ]. He also appeared on earlier shows about his family shown on ], starting in 2005, when Duggar was 17 years old. An episode titled ''A Very Duggar Wedding'' aired on January 25, 2009 about Duggar's wedding. It included the wedding planning, preparation, rehearsal, as well the wedding ceremony and reception. Duggar and his wife Anna said they saved their first kiss for their wedding day.<ref>, tlc.discovery.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Norman|first1=Tony|title=Duggar's Life is a troubling reality|url=http://www.pressreader.com/usa/pittsburgh-post-gazette/20150526/281530814617754/TextView|accessdate=31 May 2015|publisher=Pittsburgh Post Gazette|date=26 May 2015}}</ref> Multiple episodes document Duggar's children including: ''GrandDuggar's First Birthday'' (aired December 7, 2010) where Duggar celebrates his daughter Mackynzie's first birthday as well as announcing they're expecting their second child; ''First Grandson'' (aired June 19, 2011) in which Duggar and his wife introduce their second child, Michael James to the world; and ''GrandDuggar Makes 3!'' (aired June 16, 2013) a ] special introducing Duggar's third baby Marcus Anthony. A special titled ''Josh & Anna: Our Story'' aired on October 22, 2013, which reviewed the couples' first five years of marriage. Duggar and his wife revealed they are expecting their fourth child and that the baby is a girl on an episode titled ''Anna's Having A...,'' which aired May 12, 2015.<ref name="Sex Reveal of Josh and Anna's 4th child"> Sex Reveal of Josh and Anna's 4th child - People - 03/02/2015</ref>

=== Political activity ===
Duggar's father, Jim Bob, was a member of the ] for two terms while Josh was a teenager.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.duggarfamilyblog.com/2012/01/duggars-on-politics-and-family.html|title=Duggars on Politics and Family|publisher=Duggar Family}}</ref> Duggar has also been active in conservative politics. In 2007, while running a car dealership he worked as a part-time political consultant under the business name Strategic Political Services.<ref name="ETonline">{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/155163_inside_19_kids_and_counting_son_josh_duggar_s_secret_life_as_conservative_lobbyist/|title=Inside '19 Kids and Counting' Son Josh Duggar's Secret Life As A Conservative Lobbyist|publisher=ET Online|author=Josh Tager}}</ref><ref name="OCU">{{cite web|url=http://www.ohiochristian.edu/faith-liberty/podcast/josh-duggar-growing-popular-television-family-his-role-family-research-council|title=Josh Duggar on growing up in a popular television family and his role at Family Research Council Action|author=Faith & Liberty Talk Show|publisher=Ohio Christian University}}</ref> In 2008, he worked on the ] presidential primary campaign of ], and in 2012 he toured with the presidential campaign of Republican ] where Josh spoke at rallies in support of Santorum.<ref name="OCU"/><ref name=CNN2012>{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/29/eldest-daughter-and-reality-show-star-stand-in-for-santorum/|title=Eldest daughter and reality show star stand in for Santorum|author=Adam Aigner-Treworgy}}</ref>

From June 2013 to May 2015, Duggar was the Executive Director of FRC Action, the non-profit political action and lobbying arm of the ].<ref name="ETonline"/><ref name="OCU"/><ref name=WPresign>{{cite web|title=Josh Duggar apologizes amid molestation allegations: 'I acted inexcusably'|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/21/josh-duggar-apologizes-resigns-from-family-research-council-amid-molestation-allegations|work=The Washington Post|accessdate=May 21, 2015}}</ref> He said at the time that his role would be "engaging the grassroots and taking the message of faith, family and freedom all across America".<ref>{{cite news|title='19 Kids and Counting' star Josh Duggar accepts lobbying job with conservative group Family Research Council|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/josh-duggar-accepts-lobbying-job-family-research-council-article-1.1376762|author=Leslie Larson|publisher=New York Daily News}}</ref> ], the president of the Family Research Council, said that by hiring Duggar they hoped to appeal to more young people and tap into the popularity of his TV series and said "The big part of Josh’s focus is going to be building our grass-roots across the country".<ref name=WP_2013>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/wp/2013/06/18/josh-duggar-moving-to-d-c-for-political-job-with-family-research-council/|title=Josh Duggar moving to D.C. for political job with Family Research Council|publisher=The Washington Post}}</ref> In his role with FRC Action he has associated with many high profile Republicans, including potential 2016 presidential candidates including ], Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, ], ], ], and ].<ref name=TIME>{{cite news|url=http://time.com/3894467/josh-duggar-molestation-claims-2016-presidential-race/|title=Why Josh Duggar’s Past Will Hurt Social Conservatives|author=Elizabeth Dias|publisher=TIME}}</ref>

Duggar advocates for "family-centered" conservative ] viewpoints, including opposition to ], ], and ].<ref name="ETonline"/><ref name=WP_2013/> He has described his extended family as the "epitome of conservative values".<ref name=TIME/> The Family Research Council, which he worked for, has been ] by the ]; SPLC says they were designated as such due to their publication of "anti-gay propaganda".<ref>{{cite news|last=Dutton|first=Nick|title=Shooting sparks controversy over 'hate' designation for conservative group|url=http://wtvr.com/2012/08/18/shooting-sparks-controversy-over-hate-designation-for-conservative-group|accessdate=August 18, 2012|newspaper=wtvr.com|date=August 18, 2012}}</ref><ref name=splcreport>{{cite web|title=18 Anti-Gay Groups and Their Propaganda|url=http://splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/the-hard-liners|publisher=]|accessdate=November 28, 2010|author=Evelyn Schlatter}}</ref> Duggar was described as an "anti-gay activist" by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glaad.org/blog/josh-duggar-takes-job-anti-gay-family-research-council|title=Josh Duggar takes a job with anti-gay Family Research Council|author=Katy Butler|publisher=GLAAD}}</ref>

==Molestation controversy==
On May 21, 2015, the magazine '']'' reported<ref name="molestation-intouch">, intouchweekly.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref> that Josh's father, ] had told the ] that in 2002–03, Josh had molested five underage girls. Josh was 14 and 15 years old at the time.<ref name="molestation-wapo">{{cite news|last1=Ohlheiser|first1=Abby|last2=Bailey|first2=Sarah Pulliam|last3=Izadi|first3=Elahi|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/21/josh-duggar-apologizes-resigns-from-family-research-council-amid-molestation-allegations/|title=Josh Duggar apologizes amid molestation allegations, quits Family Research Council|publisher='']''|date=May 22, 2015|accessdate=May 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="molestation-usatoday">, usatoday.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref><ref name="molestation-time">, time.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref><ref name="molestation-people">, people.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref><ref name="molestation-ibt">, ibtimes.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref> The initial source of this news was a ] police report obtained by ''In Touch Weekly'' via a ] request.<ref name="molestation-intouch"/> On May 21, 2015, Judge Stacey Zimmerman ordered the original police report destroyed and the public record be expunged.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-josh-duggar-record-destroyed-20150522-story.html|title="Judge orders Josh Duggar's record destroyed"|publisher=]|date=May 22, 2015|accessdate=June 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Release of Josh Duggar's Police Report Raises New Legal Questions|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/02/josh-duggars-police-report-release-raises-questions|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=2 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Henry|first1=Larry|title=Senator: Springdale Police Chief Should Be Fired Over Child Sex-Crime Report|url=http://5newsonline.com/2015/05/23/senator-springdale-police-chief-should-be-fired-over-child-sex-crime-report/|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=5 News|date=24 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chasner|first1=Jessica|title=Bart Hester, Arkansas lawmaker, wants police chief fired over release of Josh Duggar report|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/may/26/bart-hester-arkansas-lawmaker-wants-police-chief-f/|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=The Washington Times|date=26 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=City Of Springdale Responds To Josh Duggar Sexual Molestation Accusations|url=http://5newsonline.com/2015/06/04/city-of-springdale-responds-to-josh-duggar-sexual-molestation-accusations/|accessdate=5 June 2015|publisher=5 News|date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Helsel|first1=Phil|title=Josh Duggar Molestation Scandal: City Defends Release of Record|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/josh-duggar-scandal-city-defends-release-record-n370171|accessdate=5 June 2015|publisher=NBC News|date=5 June 2015}}</ref>

The police report indicates that four of the five victims are Duggar's siblings.<ref name="FoxNews molest">{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/05/21/josh-duggar-resigns-from-family-research-council/|title= Josh Duggar resigns from Family Research Council after sexual abuse allegations|publisher=FoxNews}}</ref> Jim Bob reported that he learned in March 2002 that Josh had touched the breasts and genital region of his sisters on multiple occasions while they were sleeping. The Duggars say they were made aware of this when Josh confessed, and that at this time, the girls were unaware the abuse had occurred.<ref>{{cite news|title=WATCH: The Duggars' Exclusive Sit-Down With Megyn Kelly|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/03/megyn-kelly-interviews-duggars-video-kelly-file-child-molestation-josh-duggar|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=3 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="WPTimeline">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/23/a-timeline-of-the-molestation-allegations-against-josh-duggar/|title=A timeline of the molestation allegations against Josh Duggar|publisher=Washington Post|author=Abby Ohlheiser}}</ref><ref name="ET Online Timeline">{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/165063_josh_duggar_molestation_allegations_a_timeline_of_events/|title=Josh Duggar Molestation Allegations: A Timeline of Events|publisher=ET Online}}</ref><ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> Jim Bob said that Josh was disciplined at home.<ref>{{cite news|title=WATCH: The Duggars' Exclusive Sit-Down With Megyn Kelly|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/03/megyn-kelly-interviews-duggars-video-kelly-file-child-molestation-josh-duggar|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=3 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> In March 2003, Jim Bob and Michelle learned of additional incidents and victims with Josh confessing he had touched their breast and genital region, while they slept and in a few cases while awake, and that this abuse included a much younger sister, who according to the Duggars, didn't understand she had been improperly touched. "<ref>{{cite news|title=WATCH: The Duggars' Exclusive Sit-Down With Megyn Kelly|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/03/megyn-kelly-interviews-duggars-video-kelly-file-child-molestation-josh-duggar|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=3 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Parker|first1=Ryan|title=Josh Duggar 'was a child preying on a child,' his father says|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-duggars-19-kids-and-counting-fox-20150603-story.html|accessdate=7 June 2015|publisher=LA Times|date=3 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=WATCH: The Duggars' Exclusive Sit-Down With Megyn Kelly|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/03/megyn-kelly-interviews-duggars-video-kelly-file-child-molestation-josh-duggar|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=3 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> At this time, Jim Bob said he shared his concerns with church elders.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/>

Jim Bob told police that he had enrolled Josh in a program consisting of physical labor and counseling, after consulting with his church's leadership.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> Michelle said that Josh had been sent away from home for a period of three months to work for a family friend who was remodeling a building.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="AKGazette">{{cite news|url=http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/may/23/silence-led-to-no-case-for-duggar-20150/|title=Silence led to no case for Duggar|publisher=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette|author=Chad Day}}</ref> Later reports suggest that Josh may have been sent to a facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, owned by the ], a ministry and adolescent training program founded by ], who was a Duggar family friend.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="AKGazette"/><ref name="People treatment">{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/article/inside-josh-duggar-treatment-|title=Inside the 'Treatment' Josh Duggar Received After Reported Child Molestation|author=Michael Miller|publisher=People Magazine}}</ref> Bill Gothard was later ousted from the Institute in 2014, amid allegations that Gothard had sexually harassed a number of women and on several occasions failed to report knowledge of child sexual abuse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/conservative-leader-bill-gothard-on-leave-following-abuse-allegations/2014/02/28/51f1aac6-a0bb-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html|title=Conservative leader Bill Gothard on leave following abuse allegations|author=Sarah Pulliam Bailey|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> It is unclear if the Institute in Basic Life Principles treatment center in Little Rock was actually open and accepting participants at the time, or if the building was simply being renovated during this time period.<ref name="AKGazette"/><ref name="People treatment"/>

Upon Josh's return home in July 2003, Jim Bob brought Josh to Arkansas State Trooper Jim Hutchens, an acquaintance.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> This was reportedly the first time that police or other public authorities were made aware of this abuse.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> According to Jim Bob's account, Josh admitted to these actions at that time and apologized.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> Speaking via a lawyer, Hutchens disputes part of the reported account, saying that he was only told of a single act of ]uous molestation, and that he would have responded differently if he had known of additional instances and victims.<ref name="Mercury Dispute">{{cite news|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/celebrities/ci_28197596/ex-state-trooper-calls-jim-bob-duggar-liar|title=Ex-state trooper calls Jim Bob Duggar a liar|author=Ann Tatko-Peterson|publisher=San Jose Mercury News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/duggar-breaking-news-disgraced-cop-who-didn-t-report-molestation-shoots-down-jim-bob-s-story-59235|title=Duggar Breaking News: Disgraced Cop Who Didn't Report Molestation Shoots Down Jim Bob's Story|publisher=In Touch Weekly}}</ref><ref name="Salon Dispute">{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/2015/05/27/former_state_trooper_jim_bob_duggar_lied_to_me_said_josh_had_only_molested_one_young_girl/|author=Scott Eric Kaufman|title=Former state trooper: Jim Bob Duggar lied to me, said Josh had only molested one young girl|publisher=Salon}}</ref> In an interview following Hutchens statement, Jim Bob said Hutchens was told the entire story.<ref>{{cite news|title=WATCH: The Duggars' Exclusive Sit-Down With Megyn Kelly|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/03/megyn-kelly-interviews-duggars-video-kelly-file-child-molestation-josh-duggar|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=3 June 2015}}</ref> Hutchens did not take any official action but reportedly gave Josh a "stern talk".<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/><ref name="Salon Dispute"/> Under Arkansas law, Hutchens was a ] who would have been expected to call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline.<ref name="AKGazette"/> Hutchens was later arrested and convicted on unrelated charges of ] and is serving a 56-year prison sentence.<ref name="molestation-nydaily">http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/josh-duggar-accused-underage-sexual-abuse-report-article-1.2231301</ref><ref name="molestation-suntimes">{{cite web|url=http://houston.suntimes.com/hou-news/7/76/129101/report-19-kids-counting-josh-duggar-underage-sex-abuse-investigation|title=Report: '19 Kids & Counting' star Josh Duggar named in underage sex abuse investigation|date=May 21, 2015|work=Houston}}</ref><ref name="Mercury Dispute"/>

In 2005 and 2006, the ] featuring the Duggar family would be released. In December 2006, the family was scheduled to appear on '']''.<ref name="WPTimeline"/> At this time, an anonymous source emailed ] and called the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline to reveal Josh's past sexual misconduct.<ref name="WPTimeline"/> The producers of the ''The Oprah Winfrey Show'' alerted the Department of Human Services and canceled the Duggar's scheduled appearance on the show.<ref name="WPTimeline"/> As a result of these reports, the Springdale Police Department investigated.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> Police spoke to Jim Bob, Michelle and several other family members.<ref name="WPTimeline"/><ref name="ET Online Timeline"/> The family described the sexual misconduct that occurred in 2002 and 2003. The family reported that no further incidents had occurred since he had returned to the home in late 2003.<ref name="molestation-intouch"/><ref name="WPTimeline"/> The family members interviewed by police said that they felt safe in their home and had forgiven Duggar for his past behavior.<ref name="molestation-intouch"/><ref name="FoxNews molest"/> Under Arkansas law, child sexual abuse charges for the offenses must be filed within three years of being reported to a police officer.<ref name="AKGazette"/> Due to the family's earlier contact with State Trooper Jim Hutchens, the three-year ] had run out by the time of the 2006 investigation and no charges were filed.<ref name="AKGazette"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Duggar Drama Rocks America|url=http://www.fitsnews.com/2015/05/23/duggar-drama-rocks-america/|work=FITSNews|accessdate=May 22, 2015}}</ref>

The police report of this 2006 investigation was the one eventually obtained by ''In Touch Weekly'' in 2015. After the initial reporting on the redacted police report, an unidentified victim, reportedly still a minor, requested that any remaining products of the investigation be destroyed.<ref name="destroyed">{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/05/23/josh-duggar-records-destroyed/27837149/|title=Ark. police destroy Duggar's record|author=Jayme Deerwester|publisher=USA Today}}</ref><ref name="Judge order">{{cite web|url=http://posting.arktimes.com/media/pdf/expungement.pdf|title=Expungement order}}</ref> Judge Stacey Zimmerman granted this request to protect that person's privacy.<ref name="Judge order"/><ref name="CNN_expunge">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/21/us/josh-duggar-child-molestation-allegations/|title=Josh Duggar on child molestation report: 'I acted inexcusably'|author=Dana Ford|publisher=CNN}}</ref>

Though Duggar's misconduct was largely unknown to the public prior to 2015, a blogger writing in 2007 and identified only as "Alice" referred to the canceled ''Oprah Winfrey Show'' and stated that show staffers had been told that he was a "child molester".<ref name="People prior knowledge">{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/article/online-commenter-warned-josh-duggar-molestation|title=Online Commenter Warned About Josh Duggar Molestation Accusations 8 Years Ago|author=Michelle Corriston|publisher=People Magazine}}</ref> This allegation quietly circulated on blogs and other sites discussing the Duggars for many years, but was not publicly corroborated until ''In Touch Weekly'' revealed the police report.<ref name="People prior knowledge"/>

Duggar resigned his position at The ] on May 21, 2015, after his history of sexual misconduct as a minor became public. He stated that he "acted inexcusably" as a teen and said he was "deeply sorry" for what he called his wrongdoings. In response to his resignation, FRC president ] stated "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."<ref name=WPresign/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Thompson|first1=Doug|title=Josh Duggar admits to wrongdoing, resigns|url=http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/may/22/oldest-of-tv-s-19-kids-admits-to-wrongd/|accessdate=26 May 2015|publisher=Arkansas Online|date=22 May 2015}}</ref>

Another police report obtained by ''In Touch Magazine'', reported in an article published on June 3, details that 15-year-old Duggar confessed on three separate occasions to Jim Bob about the molestation, which involved a much younger sister and seven acts of sexual molestation. The article also notes that the Duggars waited at least 16 months before reporting the molestations to the authorities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Josh Duggar Chilling Molestation Confession In New Police Report|url=http://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/josh-duggar-chilling-molestation-confession-in-new-police-report-59752|publisher=In Touch Weekly|accessdate=4 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604034456/http://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/josh-duggar-chilling-molestation-confession-in-new-police-report-59752|archivedate=4 June 2015}}</ref>

===Debate over release of police reports===

According to ] of ], Freedom of Information (FOI) law in Arkansas states that the records of a juvenile "shall remain confidential" and "shall not be subject to disclosure under the FOI." Arkansas State Senator ] said “the law to protect minors' identities is not a suggestion” and called for Springdale Police Chief Kathy O’Kelley, who released the records, to be fired, saying O’Kelley re-victimized the girls;<ref>{{cite news|title=Release of Josh Duggar's Police Report Raises New Legal Questions|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/02/josh-duggars-police-report-release-raises-questions|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=2 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Henry|first1=Larry|title=Senator: Springdale Police Chief Should Be Fired Over Child Sex-Crime Report|url=http://5newsonline.com/2015/05/23/senator-springdale-police-chief-should-be-fired-over-child-sex-crime-report/|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=5 News|date=24 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chasner|first1=Jessica|title=Bart Hester, Arkansas lawmaker, wants police chief fired over release of Josh Duggar report|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/may/26/bart-hester-arkansas-lawmaker-wants-police-chief-f/|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=The Washington Times|date=26 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ohlheiser|first1=Abby|title=Josh Duggar molested four of his sisters and a babysitter, parents tell Fox News|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/06/03/what-to-expect-from-the-fox-news-interview-with-josh-duggars-parents/|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=The Washinton Post|date=4 June 2015}}</ref> however, the Springdale city attorney defended the release of the records, because while Duggar was a minor at the time of the alleged incidents, he was 18 in December 2006, when the police report was filed.<ref>{{cite news|title=City Of Springdale Responds To Josh Duggar Sexual Molestation Accusations|url=http://5newsonline.com/2015/06/04/city-of-springdale-responds-to-josh-duggar-sexual-molestation-accusations/|accessdate=5 June 2015|publisher=5 News|date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Helsel|first1=Phil|title=Josh Duggar Molestation Scandal: City Defends Release of Record|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/josh-duggar-scandal-city-defends-release-record-n370171|accessdate=5 June 2015|publisher=NBC News|date=5 June 2015}}</ref> Judge Stacey Zimmerman ordered all copies of the report destroyed on May 21, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-josh-duggar-record-destroyed-20150522-story.html|title="Judge orders Josh Duggar's record destroyed"|publisher=]|date=May 22, 2015|accessdate=June 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Release of Josh Duggar's Police Report Raises New Legal Questions|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/02/josh-duggars-police-report-release-raises-questions|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=2 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Henry|first1=Larry|title=Senator: Springdale Police Chief Should Be Fired Over Child Sex-Crime Report|url=http://5newsonline.com/2015/05/23/senator-springdale-police-chief-should-be-fired-over-child-sex-crime-report/|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=5 News|date=24 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chasner|first1=Jessica|title=Bart Hester, Arkansas lawmaker, wants police chief fired over release of Josh Duggar report|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/may/26/bart-hester-arkansas-lawmaker-wants-police-chief-f/|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=The Washington Times|date=26 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=City Of Springdale Responds To Josh Duggar Sexual Molestation Accusations|url=http://5newsonline.com/2015/06/04/city-of-springdale-responds-to-josh-duggar-sexual-molestation-accusations/|accessdate=5 June 2015|publisher=5 News|date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Helsel|first1=Phil|title=Josh Duggar Molestation Scandal: City Defends Release of Record|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/josh-duggar-scandal-city-defends-release-record-n370171|accessdate=5 June 2015|publisher=NBC News|date=5 June 2015}}</ref>

Two of Duggar's sisters, ] and ], spoke out about the abuse and about the release of the reports during an interview with ] airing June 5, 2015 on ]'s '']''. Jessa called Duggar's actions as a teen "very wrong". She also said, "I do want to speak up in his defense against people who are calling him a ] or a ] or a ], as some people are saying”. Jessa said "that is so overboard and a lie really...I mean, people get mad at me for saying that, but I can say this because I was one of the victims”. She said "the system was set up to protect kids...it's greatly failed," and that the last few weeks have been "a thousand times worse for us” than the sexual abuse. Jill called the release of the police reports “a revictimization”.<ref>{{cite news|title=WATCH: Duggar Sisters Defend Josh in 'Kelly File' Exclusive|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/06/05/megyn-kelly-interview-duggar-sisters-jill-dillard-and-jessa-seewald-defend-josh-after|accessdate=7 June 2015|publisher=Fox News|date=5 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=McRady|first1=Rachel|title=Jessa Duggar: "I Was One of the Victims," But Don't Call Josh a Child Molester|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/jessa-duggar-victim-dont-call-josh-child-molester-201536|accessdate=4 June 2015|publisher=Us Weekly|date=3 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Steiner|first1=Amanda|title=Jessa (Duggar) Seewald: As a Family, We 'Had Moved On' from Josh Duggar Molestation|url=http://www.people.com/article/josh-duggar-molestation-family-moved-on-jessa-jill-megyn-kelly-interview|accessdate=7 June 2015|publisher=People|date=5 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kleinman|first1=Rachel|title=Josh Duggar’s sisters Jill and Jessa come to his defense|url=http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/josh-duggar-sisters-jill-jessa-come-his-defense|accessdate=7 June 2015|publisher=MSNBC|date=5 June 2015}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Duggar married Anna Keller on September 26, 2008.<ref>, jacksonville.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref><ref>, tlc.discovery.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref> He and his wife have three children: Mackynzie Renée (b. 2009), Michael James (b. 2011) and Marcus Anthony (b. 2013). They lived in ], where they owned a used car dealership, from 2008 until 2014.<ref>, people.com; accessed May 22, 2015.</ref> In 2013, they moved to ] where Duggar accepted a job as executive director of FRC Action, a lobbying arm of the Family Research Council. As of May 2015, they are expecting their fourth child.<ref name="Sex Reveal of Josh and Anna's 4th child"> Sex Reveal of Josh and Anna's 4th child - People - 03/02/2015</ref> As with Duggar's parents, who have 19 children and avoid birth control, Josh and Anna have stated that they plan to have as many children as "God gives them."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2011/03/15/josh-anna-duggar-baby-kids-tlc/|title=Josh & Anna Duggar: 'We're Going To Have 25 Kids!' Um, Seriously?|publisher=Hollywood Life}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2|30em}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://ja20.com|Josh and Anna's official website}}
*
*

{{19 Kids and Counting}}

{{Persondata
| NAME = Duggar, Josh
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = March 3, 1988
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ], U.S.
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Duggar, Josh}}
]
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]

Revision as of 04:23, 30 June 2015

Josh Duggar is a pedophile who should be punishef, but isnt. And he thinks that just because an imaginary God supposedly believes him, he should be free of punishment.