Disgraced reality star Josh Duggar files new lawsuit against magazine and local Arkansas officials who released information that he molested his sisters when they were children

By Mary Kekatos
Daily Mail (UK)
July 9, 2017

https://goo.gl/CkjS3N

Josh Duggar, 29 (Pictured left, in March 2014, and right, in February 2015 with wife Anna) has filed a lawsuit against Arkansas officials after information was released regarding reports that he sexually abused his sisters. The lawsuit claims Duggar's right to due process was violated and his privacy was invaded, and $75,000 is being sought in damages

The 19 Kids and Counting star (third from left, in April 2012) claims in his lawsuit that Springdale officials responded to In Touch Weekly's May 2015 Freedom of Information Act request by 'hastily and recklessly' allowing release of the offense and incident reports

In May, four of Duggar's sisters sued Northwest Arkansas officials, claiming police documents were improperly released to a magazine that published the information (Pictured, Josh and Anna with their children Mackynzie, left, and Michael, seated)

TLC canceled 19 Kids and Counting in July 2015, two months after the magazine began publishing its stories. Days after the show's cancellation, a hack of the cheating website Ashley Madison revealed that Josh Duggar (back row, fourth from left) had been a member since 2013

Josh Duggar has filed a lawsuit against Arkansas officials over the release of information regarding reports that he sexually abused his sisters when they were children.

Four of the 29-year-old's sisters filed a separate lawsuit, which he rescinded a request to join, against the Springfield officials, Washington County officials and a magazine.

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, claims Duggar's right to due process was violated and his privacy was invaded, and $75,000 is being sought in damages, lawyer's fees and a jury trial.

The 19 Kids and Counting star claims in his lawsuit that Springdale officials responded to In Touch Weekly's May 2015 Freedom of Information Act request by 'hastily and recklessly' allowing release of the offense and incident reports.

He says the poorly redacted reports contain identifying information including his and both of his parents' names, the family's address, and clearly identified one of the alleged victims as his then-five-year-old sister.  

Melissa Reeves, a spokeswoman for Springdale released an email statement by 'legal counsel', reported the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

'It is unfortunate that now, at this late date, the plaintiff has chosen to file a misguided lawsuit against dedicated public servants and seeking damages from public tax dollars,' the statement said in part. 

In May, four of Duggar's sisters - Jill Dillard, Jessa Seewald, Jinger Vuolo and Joy-Anna Forsyth - sued Northwest Arkansas officials claiming police documents were improperly released to a magazine that published the information. 

Duggar, then-age 14, revealed in March 2002, July 2002 and March 2003 that he had inappropriately touched young girls in the family home to his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle.

The Duggars took their son to report what he had done to the Arkansas State Police, but the corporal didn't report the matter to the state's child abuse hotline as required by law. 

The lawsuits contend that police assured the family information from the investigation would only be available to law enforcement, juvenile court and child services personnel.

Springdale police were unaware of any allegations against the eldest Duggar until 2006 when someone anonymously called the abuse hotline. However, by then, the statute of limitations had expired. 

TLC canceled 19 Kids and Counting in July 2015, two months after the magazine began publishing its stories.

Days after the show's cancellation, a hack of the cheating website Ashley Madison revealed that Josh Duggar had been a member since 2013. 

Josh Duggar resigned as a lobbyist for a group run by the conservative Family Research Council and acknowledged wrongdoing in a public statement on May 21, 2015.