Jessa Duggar, Husband Ben Break Silence On Josh Duggar's Child Pornography Charges

Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald are speaking out after her brother Josh Duggar was arrested in Arkansas on child pornography charges this week.

Members of the Duggar family have released separate statements after Josh, 33, was charged with receiving and possessing material depicting the sexual abuse of children during a court hearing Friday. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. In a statement posted to their Instagram Stories Saturday, Jessa and her husband condemned abuse in all forms.

"We are saddened to hear of the charges against Josh," read Jessa and Seewald's joint statement. "As Christians, we stand against any form of pornography or abuse and we desire for the truth to be exposed, whatever that may be."

"Our prayers are with their family as they walk through this difficult time," they added.

Another sister of Josh, Jinger Duggar, and her husband Jeremy Vuolo also issued a joint statement, saying they were “disturbed” after learning about the charges against the "19 Kids and Counting" alum.

"We are disturbed to hear of the charges against Josh," the couple wrote. "While this case must go through the legal system, we want to make it clear that we absolutely condemn any form of child abuse and fully support the authorities and judicial process in their pursuit of justice."

Meanwhile, Josh’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, affirmed their love for their eldest son and thanked those who continue to pray for their family.

“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious," they wrote on their website. "It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family."

Josh was arrested by federal agents Thursday, just days after his wife Anna announced that they are expecting their seventh child.

He was accused of allegedly using the internet to download material depicting the sexual abuse of children, some of whom were under 12, in May 2019. He faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 on each count if convicted.

Following his Friday hearing, Josh's attorneys Justin Gelfand, Travis W. Story and Greg Payne said in a statement: "Josh Duggar has been charged in a two-count indictment. He has pled not guilty to both charges and we intend to defend this case aggressively and thoroughly."

"In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you’re accused, you can fight back in the courtroom—and that is exactly what Josh intends to do," they continued.