Jana Duggar Asks ‘Counting On’ Fans To Empathize With Child Endangerment Charges

Jana Duggar recently shocked fans of the “19 Kids And Counting” and its spin-off, “Counting On,” by getting charged with child endangerment. At first, the 31-year-old reality TV star stayed silent. But as the media spotlight continued, Jana decided to end her silence to defend herself. 

Just days after her older brother Josh Duggar received a guilty verdict for downloading and possessing child pornography materials, Jana pleaded with her “Counting On” fans to empathize with her situation. And she also pointed out the burden she bears by having the same last name as the scandal-ridden Josh. Find out what Jana said below. 

Jana Duggar Breaks Silence On Child Endangerment Charges

Most reality TV stars love the spotlight. But as Jana Duggar stated in a recent Instagram Story post, she prefers privacy, noted Us. As a result of her charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, though, the 31-year-old can’t escape the media attention. And that led to her decision to break her silence. 

“I’m only sharing this because the media has been having a field day with it all,” wrote Jana in her Instagram Story. She then pointed out that sharing her last name with Josh means any action becomes public. “I prefer a more private life, but I know my last name means that everything we do is open to public criticism and interest,” added the reality TV star. And she referred to Josh’s guilty verdict by noting that she’s in the spotlight “especially during this time.”

Seeking empathy from her “Counting On” fans, Jana shared what she called the “raw facts” about the charges. “I was babysitting a few months ago when one of the children wandered outside alone. A passerby who saw the child called the police. This resulted in a written citation, as well as a follow-up with child welfare who concluded that it was an accident and the child was unharmed,” shared Duggar.

In her statement, Jana emphasized that law enforcement understood that “it was a case of a child slipping out of the house when you turn your back for a moment.” But although the incident occurred “so quickly,” Duggar experienced fear. And rather than blame law enforcement, the “Counting On” star expressed gratitude. “I am grateful for law enforcement and those who protect and serve our community.”

Jana Duggar NOT Arrested: ‘Give A Girl A Break!’

Some media headlines have claimed that Jana got arrested. Wrong, stated the reality TV star. “I was certainly never arrested like some may have implied,” asserted Duggar. “In the end I was just upset at myself that it had happened at all, but so thankful it all ended safely and that’s truly what mattered the most to me.”

Jana will head to court in January. Possible results of her endangerment of a minor charges vary from 90 days of jail time to fines. In response to the charges, Jana plead not guilty.

In addition to Jana’s statement, her sister Jessa Seewald defended her. In her own Instagram Story, Jessa sought to point out that the incident ranks as “an innocent mistake.” The 29-year-old summed up what happened to her sister to result in the charges.

Jana “was babysitting and one of the kids slipped out the door unnoticed, but it ended safely. Could’ve happened to anyone,” declared Jessa. And as the mother of four kids, Jessa called her sister “one of the most amazing woman I know and I’d trust her with my kids any day of the week.” She also added her own plea to fans and the media. “Do me a favor — give the girl a break, and all you perfect humans go back to living your lives,” wrote Jessa. 

What do you think? Did Jana make an innocent mistake that supports her not guilty plea? Share your views with us. And then check back on our site for all the news about the Duggar family.