Duggars Deny Report That Their Family Home in Arkansas Was Raided by Homeland Security
The Duggar family is denying a report by KNWA that their home was raided by Homeland Security Investigations agents last week.
A rep for the Duggar family told PEOPLE in a statement, “We were shocked to see a news report today state that our home was raided by federal law enforcement agencies. This is not true. To the best of our knowledge, it’s also not true that any member of our family is the target of any investigation of any kind.”
“Living a life in the public’s eye has taught us that it is best not to reply to every rumor and piece of ‘fake news’ that is circulated online,” the rep’s statement continued. “It would be a full-time job if we attempted to do so. However, because of tonight’s media coverage we thought it is important to address this rumor with you. Thank you for the love and support that we can always count on in you our fans and friends.”
Their denial comes after a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) spokesperson reportedly told KNWA about the Duggars’ home in Tontitown, Arkansas, which was featured on TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, “[I do not dispute the information that] HSI was present there [Duggar home] pursuant to an on-going federal criminal investigation.”
According to the outlet, HSI did not say why its agents were at the property, and the U.S. District Attorney for Western Arkansas would not comment on the case.
PEOPLE is out to the Department of Homeland Security and TLC for comment.
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Duggar son Jedidiah Duggar, who recently announced he is running for Arkansas State Representative as a conservative, said he was “unaware” of the investigation.
“I don’t live there, and I am not aware of any investigation,” Jed, 20, told the outlet.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar first introduced their family to TLC audiences on 19 Kids and Counting, which was canceled in the wake of allegations of molestation by eldest son Josh Duggar in 2015 — accusations that never led to charges.
Following the scandal, the Duggar kids returned to the network with spinoff Counting On, focused primarily on the eldest siblings.
Currently, Josh is in the middle of a real estate lawsuit. In September, KARK.com reported that a three-day jury trial is set for Josh, who is “accused of fraud and is being sued for ‘quiet title’ and breaching a contract, according to court records.” The trial reportedly begins April 27, 2020.
