Jana Duggar Has Just Been Charged With This Crime
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By Shana Aborn/Dec. 10, 2021 7:16 pm EST
To say that this has been a difficult week for the Duggar family would be an understatement. The oldest member of the famous 19-children household, Josh Duggar, was found guilty of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse materials (via CNN). Parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have come under fire for the statement they released about the verdict, in which they said they would "never stop praying for ... and loving Joshua," while not specifically offering support to the daughters he molested.
Now another Duggar child is in some legal trouble of her own: Oldest daughter Jana Duggar. Katie Joy, who follows the Duggars through her Without a Crystal Ball Instagram account, broke the news that Jana is due in court on January 10 on charges of "endangering the welfare of a minor." According to the docket report, which Joy has posted, the incident occurred on September 9. Following the charges, she pleaded not guilty and was released on $450 bail.
Hers is a 3rd degree endangerment charge, which, per Arkansas law, is defined as "recklessly [engaging] in conduct creating a substantial risk of serious harm to the physical or mental welfare of a person known by the actor to be a minor" (via FindLaw)
As of this writing, no details have been confirmed about what actually happened, but Joy has said on YouTube that her source alleges that a child in Jana's care wandered off the family's property and was found near a busy road.
Jana Duggar has been called the 'Cinderella Duggar'
Instagram/Jana Duggar
While her other adult sisters have long since married and started families of their own, Jana Duggar is single and still living with her parents and her youngest siblings, who range in age from 12 to 15. Her apparent lack of independence has inspired some fans to call her the "Cinderella Duggar" (via CafeMom).
If she is found guilty at her January trial, Duggar faces up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Compared to the sentence older brother Josh faces — up to 20 years in jail and a $250,000 fine — it's a relatively light punishment. Still, this latest development isn't doing anything to help her family's reputation. Their hit TLC reality shows, "19 Kids & Counting" and "Counting On," painted a portrait of a clan bound together by faith, conservative values and shunning of such secular influences as mainstream TV and dating.
Fans are largely sympathetic to Duggar's plight. Comments on the Without a Crystal Ball's Instagram story include many references to her being responsible for her younger siblings and other relatives. One said, "Not going to form an opinion one way or another, without knowing the details. But damn, after being Nanny Mom her whole life. That's a shame."
If you, or anyone you know, have been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).