Josh Duggar Trial: Jill Becomes Witness After Allowance Of Past Sexual Abuse Evidence

Josh Duggar Trial: Jill Becomes Witness After Allowance Of Past Sexual Abuse Evidence

Jill Duggar has been named as one of the “confirmed or potential witnesses” in her brother Josh Duggar’s child pornography trial.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks presented a list of potential trial witnesses that included “Counting On” alum Jill Duggar and her brother Jed Duggar.

The following day, Jill’s husband, Derick Dillard, was spotted arriving at the courthouse and was later seen reportedly sitting next to Josh’s wife, Anna Duggar.

News of Jill Duggar’s witness status comes after Brooks ruled that the jurors can hear evidence against Josh from 20 years ago.


The decision was made on Monday when prosecutors wanted the jury to hear testimony from a friend of the Duggar family who claimed Josh admitted to molesting four girls when he was a teenager.

Josh Duggar’s legal team argued the information had no relevance to the current case and noted that their client was never charged. However, the federal judge found the evidence relevant and allowed it to be presented.

“The child pornography victims, in this case, are approximately the same ages as the victims of defendant’s hands-on child-molestation offenses,” Brooks stated in the order.

“Accordingly, the prior act evidence is probative of defendant’s sexual interest in underage children and his propensity for exploiting young girls.”

In 2015, it was reported that Josh Duggar allegedly molested five underage girls, including his sisters Jill and Jessa. 

Although Jill and Jed Duggar have been named as “confirmed or potential witnesses,” it is unclear whether they will be called to testify.

Josh Duggar has been charged with two counts of downloading and possessing child pornography. He could face up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each count if convicted.

Josh Duggar update Josh Duggar of TLC's “19 Kids and Counting” is pictured at the Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa, in August 2014. Photo: Reuters