Jason Duggar Reacts To Brother Josh's Federal Prison Sentence Over Child Pornography | "I will never stop loving my brother"

Former TLC star Jason "Jase" Duggar has broken his silence over his old brother's sentencing following a child pornography conviction on Wednesday. Josh was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison and ordered to pay fines and special assessments of $50,100. The 34-year-old former 19 Kids and Counting star was found guilty by a jury of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography in December, reports CNN. He is the oldest son of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, whose devout family and Christian lifestyle were the subject of the TLC show. He is married to his wife, Anna, with whom he shares seven children.

Now his younger brother is speaking on the conviction. "Yesterday my oldest brother was sentenced to 151 months, around 12 1/2 years in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography," Jason said in a lengthy statement posted to his Instagram Story on Thursday, reports PEOPLE. "In my opinion, judge Timothy L. Brooks was fair in his ruling giving Josh a sentence that would be considered below the median for the crimes he has committed. My heart is grieved over the choices my brother has made, his actions do not reflect that of a Christian believer and have doubtlessly defamed my Lord and Saviors name!! Joshua's poor decisions have greatly effected [sic] those around him, in particular his wife, seven children and our family as a whole."

His feelings are complicated towards his brother in the light of the situation but he said that he has forgiven his older brother for "his wrongdoings." "With that said, I will never stop loving my brother, regardless of what he does, just as my savior has forgiven me so I have forgiven my brother of his wrongdoings!" the 22-year-old wrote. "My prayer is that God will use this circumstance to truly humble him and bring about a true change in his life!"

The rest of the family is also addressing the situation with Jill (Duggar) Dillard and Derick Dillard commenting that they were "neither rejoicing nor disappointed by the sentence, but we are thankful it's finally over." "The Bible clearly states that God effects justice and vengeance through the governing authorities. Though some believe Josh should have received a greater sentence and still fewer believe he should have received a lighter sentence, God has carried out his vengeance today for his unspeakable criminal activity," the Dillards wrote in their statement.

References:

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/25/entertainment/josh-duggar-sentenced/index.html

https://people.com/tv/josh-duggar-sentencing-jason-duggar-reacts/

Cover Image Source: Source: (L) Instagram | jaseduggar (R) Photo by Washington County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images