By Ashley Thompson

InTouch is reporting that Josh Duggar has confessed to sexually molesting several female minors, some of whom are allegedly his sisters.. Information obtained from a police report found by InTouch magazine through a Freedom of information Act request states that Jim Bob Duggar sat on his son's confession for more than a year. The report states that in 2002 James told police he was told by a female victim that Josh (14) had touched her inappropriately while she slept on more than one occasion. James also said that the family punished Josh but the authorities were not contacted.

In 2003 Josh was accused again so Jim Bob met with the church elders although still no one contacted the police but they remained supportive of the family. They instead decided to send Josh to a manual labor counseling program for several months. Michelle later admitted that it was not a counseling program but a family friend in Little Rock who was remodeling houses. They then told police that Josh had apologized to his victims and they had forgiven him. Because, you know, women who don't show their shoulders or knees would easily forgive someone for fondling their breasts and genitals as they slept. When he returned from the manual labor Jim Bob took Josh to Arkansas State Trooper, Jim Hutchens, who was a family friend. After speaking with Josh no further action was taken. Hutchens is currently serving 56 years in prison for child pornography.

Apparently another family friend had written down what was learned about the molestations and kept it hidden in a book. The book was later borrowed by someone else and the letter was found, although no one will say who wrote or found the paper. When Oprah was going to interview the family in 2006 someone (a 61 year old female) anonymously emailed the show about the allegations and the interview was cancelled. Harpo Studios then contacted the Department of Human Services which lead to the investigation of several minor victims in December of 2006. The three-year statute of limitations has taken expired so no further action will be taken... again. Statements from the family were recently posted on the Duggar Family Facebook page.

Josh has written an apology since the story broke:
"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 p me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed y 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. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. I would do anything to go back to those teen years an take different actions. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God's grace, mercy and redemption."

Jim Bob and Michelle also prepared a statement:
"Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives. When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes and we were shocked. We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before. Even though we would never choose to go through something so terrible, each on of our family members drew closer to God. We pray that as people watch our lives they see that we are not a perfect family. We have challenges and struggles everyday. It is one of the reasons we treasure our faith so much because God's kindness and goodness and forgiveness are extended to us - even though we are so undeserving. We hope somehow the story of our journey - the good times and the difficult times - cause you to see the kindness of God and learn that He can bring you through anything."

Josh's wife, Anna, also had a few words:
"I can imagine the shock many of you are going through reading this. I remember feeling that same shock. It was not at the point of engagement, or after we were married - it was two years before Josh asked me to marry him. When my family and I first visited the Duggar home, Josh shared his past teenage mistakes. I was surprised at his openness and humility and at the same time didn't know why he was sharing it. For Josh he wanted not just me but my parents to know who he really was - even every difficult past mistakes. At that point and over the next two years, Josh shared how the counseling he received changed his life as he continued to do what he was taught. And when you, our sweet fans, first met me when Josh asked me to marry him... I was able to say, "yes" knowing who Josh really is - someone who had gone down a wrong path and had humbled himself before God and those whom he had offended. Someone who had received the help needed to change the direction of his life and do what is right. I want to say thank you to those who took time over a decade ago to help Josh in a time of crisis. Your investment changed his life from going down the wrong path to doing what is right. If it weren't of your help I would not be here as his wife - celebrating 6 1/2 years framing to a man who knows how to be a gentleman and treat a girl right. Thank you to all of you who tirelessly work with children in crisis, you are changing lives and I am forever grateful for all of you."

Although TLC has not commented, it should be noted that !9 Kids and Counting has been airing for 10 seasons.

Photo credit: Josh Duggar's Instagram