Jill Duggar & husband Derick slam Josh as they say ‘nobody is above the law & admit trial ‘felt like a funeral’
JILL Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard slammed Josh as they said "nobody is above the law."
The couple also admitted the child pornography trial "felt like a funeral."
Shortly after it was revealed Josh, 33, was found guilty, Jill, 30, and Derick, 32, took to their to share a statement on the matter.
The statement began: "Today was difficult for our family.
"Our hearts go out to the victims of child abuse or any kind of exploitation.
"We are thankful for the hard work of law enforcement, including investigators, forensic analysts, prosecutors, and all others involved who save kids and hold accountable those responsible for their abuse."
The statement continued: "Nobody is above the law. It applies equally to everybody, no matter your wealth, status, associations, gender, race, or any other factor.
"Today, the people of the Western District of Arkansas made that clear in their verdict.
"As a Christian, we believe we are all equal at the foot of the cross, and, likewise, we are all equal under the law."
Quoting the Bible, they added: "Jesus warned his disciples, “…[b]eware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Luke 12:1-3).
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"Moreover, “[h]e who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” (Proverbs 17:15)."
HEARING THE EVIDENCE
The couple continued: "We have been lied to so much that we wanted to hear the evidence for ourselves in court.
"After seeing all the evidence as it was presented, we believe that the jury reached a just verdict today, consistent with the truth beyond a reasonable doubt."
The statement concluded: "Josh’s actions have rippled far beyond the epicenter of the offense itself.
"Children have scars, but his family is also suffering the fallout of his actions.
"Our hearts are sensitive to the pains Josh’s wife, Anna, and their seven children have already endured and will continue to process in the future.
"This trial has felt more like a funeral than anything else.
"Josh’s family has a long road ahead.
"We stand with them, we are praying for them, and we will seek to support them however we can during this dark time."
THE VERDICT
Josh was found guilty of both possessing and receiving child pornography on Thursday.
Right after the verdict was revealed, the ex reality star was ordered straight into custody.
The TLC star looked back at his family when the court read out that he was found guilty.
While he didn’t cry, Josh was “teary-eyed” and “solemn” as he was cuffed, according to The Sun's reporter at the scene.
Meanwhile, his brother Justin was unable to fight back the tears and cried as he watched his older sibling being taken into custody.
The Counting On alum stopped as he was being taken away to tell his wife Anna, 33, that he “loved” her.
Family patriarch Jim Bob Duggar consoled Anna, though neither were visibly emotional.
SENTENCING
Judge Timothy L. Brooks said he hopes to be able to schedule the sentencing for Josh in four months.
He added that: “Mr. Duggar 100% has been compliant awaiting trial.
“I appreciate that and I wanted to acknowledge that however because of the guilty offenses he must be detained regardless of flight risk so there will be mandatory detention.
“The Marshals will set that up.”
PLAN FOR APPEAL
Josh’s lawyer gave a statement after the verdict to reveal that they plan to appeal.
"We respect the jury's verdict and we look forward to continuing this fight on appeal," one of his attorneys said outside the courthouse on Thursday.
"We plan to appeal at the appropriate time."
The guilty verdict was revealed following a nearly two-week trial that saw graphic and disturbing details and testimony.
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Jill and Derick, who are estranged from the Duggar family, both attended the hearing.
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old was included on the witness list.
