Josh Duggar apologizes after child molestation accusations: 'I acted inexcusably'



ARKANSAS -- Josh Duggar, one of the members of the family that stars in TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" was the subject of a police investigation for allegedly sexually molesting five girls, including some of his sisters.

The story was broken by In Touch Weekly, but TMZ has confirmed with law enforcement that Josh Duggar, who was around 14 at the time, was the alleged molester against five girls starting in 2002.

According to the police report, Josh fondled the girls, some of whom were sleeping, but sometimes they were interacting with him, in one case reading a book.

Josh, 27, apparently cannot be charged due to the statute of limitations.

He released a statement Thursday:

“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. 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 understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”




Josh also has resigned from his position with the Family Research Council, according to People.

A source connected with TLC production says no decision has been made on what, if anything, the network will do.

As for the Duggars, one of the family members told investigators, "this entire incident had brought the family closer to God," according the police report.

The Duggar family posted a statement on Facebook: