Jinger Duggar Vuolo & Husband 'Disturbed' by Charges Against Brother Josh

Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy Vuolo are speaking out in the wake of federal child pornography charges against her eldest brother, Josh Duggar.

In an Instagram post Friday, the couple told fans, "We are disturbed to hear of the charges against Josh. While this case must go through the legal system, we want to make it clear that we absolutely condemn any form of child abuse and fully support the authorities and judicial process in their pursuit of justice."

It was a strongly worded statement for a clan that has largely hung together through rough patches — including when Josh confessed to having touched five girls, four of them his own sisters, when he was a teenager. He was never charged for those actions.

Previously, their parents Jim Bob and Michell had said, "We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious. It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.”

Josh’s sister Jill and her husband Derick Dillard told People, “We just found out this information yesterday. It is very sad."

On Friday, Josh appeared in court after he was arrested by federal agents in Arkansas Thursday.

Duggar is charged with receiving and possessing child pornography. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “He allegedly used the internet to download child sexual abuse material. Duggar allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019.”

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, and will remain behind bars at Washington County Detention Center for the Department of Homeland Security until at least May 5.

During the court appearance, local news station 40/29 reports, Judge Erin Wiedemann said Duggar — a father of six — is not to be around any minor children if released, adding, "Given the nature of the charges against him the court would likely require a third-party custodian that could live with him and would ensure compliance with the conditions of bond.” His bond hearing is set for next week.

The DOJ states, “If convicted, he faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.00 on each count.”