The Duggar family from "19 Kids and Counting" has drawn another supporter in Northwest Arkansas State Senator Bart Hester, who called for the dismissal of Springdale Police Chief Kathy O'Kelley.
According to KFSM Channel 5 News, it was O'Kelley, along with Springdale City Attorney Ernest Cate, who released the 2006 police report containing the child molestation accusations against Josh Duggar to In Touch Weekly. The report was posted on the magazine's website last week, prompting Josh to resign from Family Research Council. TLC then took "19 Kids and Counting" off the air.
"The law to protect minors' identities is not a suggestion," Hester stressed. "So sad to see the person charged with protecting the community being so reckless and irresponsible. I believe it is unavoidable that the Springdale police chief should be terminated. She has re-victimized these young ladies."
Hester added that he worries O'Kelley might release other police reports containing the details of other juvenile victims' cases. Moreover, O'Kelley announced two weeks prior to the release of the Josh Duggar scandal that she would be retiring by the end of June.
"The city of Springdale's liability seems endless on this," Hester added. "I certainly anticipate criminal charges against Chief O'Kelley."
On the other hand, Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse defended O'Kelley and Cate, saying that after much research on the matter, it was only right that they release the report.
"From every indication I have, the chief and city attorney reluctantly did what they had to do to comply with the state FOI (freedom of information) law," Sprouse said.
For his part, Josh offered a statement of apology following the release of the scathing report: "Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends."
He added that he would do anything just to go back to his teen years and take different actions.
