'19 Kids and Counting' reality star Josh Duggar apologizes after molestation allegations surface

Josh Duggar, the oldest child in the TLC television reality show "19 Kids and Counting" has issued an apology after sexual assault allegations of underage girls surfaced.

According to InTouch Weekly, Duggar was the subject of a police investigation alleging him of inappropriate behavior involving a young girl.

TMZ reported that law enforcement officials confirmed Duggar, who was 14 years old at the time, was accused of molesting five girls starting in 2002, which included some of his sisters.

In a statement on Duggar Family's official Facebook page, Josh said:

"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. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God's grace, mercy and redemption."

Duggar and his wife, Anna, currently live in Washington D.C. and have three children.

The 27-year-old worked at The Family Research Council, but resigned Thursday in wake of the scandal.

Tony Perkins, president of the Washington-based Christian lobbying group, said in a statement Thursday that Duggar resigned because of information becoming public that he believed would "make it difficult for him to be effective."

As executive director of FRC Action, Duggar served as a public face of the organization.

Information used from The Associated Press in this report.