Jana Duggar Gets ZERO Jail Time In Child Endangerment Case
By Mike Walters on January 5, 2022 at 2:29 PM EST
Updated on March 16, 2022 at 5:47 PM EDT
Jana Duggarhas just pled guilty to child endangerment charges, and the deal will ensure the reality star spends zero time behind bars.
According to multiple reports, the '19 Kids and Counting' star was able to "settle" the criminal case outside of court by paying a fine of $880. The reality star was facing charges of child endangerment in an Elm Springs, Arkansas court, and had previously pled not guilty to the alleged crimes.
The plea deal comes almost four months after Jana was cited for "endangering the welfare of a minor" on September 9, 2021. At the time, the charging documents didn't disclose exactly what the allegations were against the reality star, but many believed it might be connected to her brother's criminal case -- which was going on at the same time. Turns out, it was completely disconnected to the case -- and had nothing to do with the family's other legal issues.
Jana Duggar "Settles" The Case Out Of Court For $880 In Fines
Several weeks back, Jana broke her silence on the situation, claiming it was a simple mistake of allowing a child she was babysitting out of her sight for a few minutes. "I'm only sharing this because the media has been having a field day with it all. I prefer a more private life, but I know my last name means that everything we do is open to public criticism and interest, especially during this time," she wrote, seeming to reference Josh Duggar's child porn conviction.
"I was babysitting a few months ago when one of the children wandered outside alone. A passerby who saw the child called the police," she described. Adding, "This resulted in a written citation, as well as a follow-up with child welfare who concluded that it was an accident and the child was unharmed."
'19 Kids And Counting' Star's Siblings Defend Her Following Criminal Charges
She continued, "They recognized it was a case of a child slipping out of the house when you turn your back for a moment. It all happened so quickly and was scary. I am grateful for law enforcement and those who protect and serve our community. I was certainly never arrested like some may have implied. In the end, I was just upset at myself that it had happened at all but so thankful it all ended safely and that's truly what mattered most to me."
As we reported, several Duggar family members defended Jana following the citation, including sister Jessa who wrote, "It was an innocent mistake." Adding, "She was babysitting and one of the kids slipped out the door unnoticed, but it ended safely. Could've happened to anyone. She's without question one of the most amazing women I know and I'd trust her with my kids any day of the week."
Josh Duggar Facing Years Behind Bars In Child Pornography Case
In the end, Jana was scheduled for a bench trial on January 10, 2022 -- but, the "settlement" ended the case which has been taken off the calendar. As for Josh Duggar, he was convicted on multiple counts of child pornography and is expected to receive a harsh sentence of several years behind bars.
Duggar's sentencing is scheduled to take place in the next few months.