I was never a fan of this family. And, based on the police report, what he did at age 14 was horrible.
However, there appears to be a lot of misinformation spreading here.
For example, people are claiming there was a cover up. But, the parents told many people - church elders, family friends, and everyone they knew. So, apparently, this wasn’t a secret.
Also, people are claiming that he and his parents blame his sisters. But he and his parents never said that. So, no one knows if it’s even true that they blame the girls. The rumor started because of a curriculum the family allegedly uses. Doesn’t everyone have books that contain parts they disagree with?
The story is disturbing as is. It should start a conversation on what to do if your child is acting... disturbed. But the rumors are getting out of control.
“Also, people are claiming that he and his parents blame his sisters. “
Read this article!!http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3293067/posts
Timeline.
It was years before they “went to the authorities”. AFTER the statue of limitations had expired.
And the authority was a pervert LEO who gave him a “stern talking to”.
From what I have read, the church elders “disciplined” Josh, whatever that means. But his father is also an elder, and there was some blame laid upon the victims as well...something along the lines of cautioning them to be modest. That advice is a joke considering the boy entered their rooms at night and forcibly fondled them while they were in bed.
The problems were indeed covered up. They were given a TV show to portray themselves as moral examples, and nothing was known about it until now. Only the Gothard cult and fellow members knew.
Also, the Gothard counseling material for sex abusers has become widely distributed online. It lays quite a bit of blame on the victim. It was said that Josh underwent counseling; if so, that’s what he would have received.