As you probably know, 2015 was quite the tumultuous year for the Duggar family. Crazily enough, next year might be even worse.
Duggars dealt with a number of public relations nightmares that irreparably damaged their reputation and resulted in the cancelation of 19 Kids and Counting – the family’s long-running TLC reality series.
At the center of it all, of course, were the Josh Duggar sex scandals.
It seemed that not a week went by this year without a shocking revelation about Josh’s past sexual indiscretions – and now it looks as though the 27-year-old father of four may have even harder times ahead.
In August, it was revealed that Josh paid an adult film star named Danica Dillon thousands of dollars for sex.
Now, Danica is suing Josh for assault, claiming that their sexual encounters were so rough that she was left with "physical and emotional scars."
Danica doesn’t seem to have any interest in dropping the suit or settling out of court, and Josh may have much more to lose than just money.
Legal experts tell In Touch that depending on the nature of her testimony, Danica’s civil suit could prompt a criminal investigation, which may land Josh behind bars.
"The most likely crimes Josh could be charged with range from misdemeanor simple assault, which carries a maximum sentence of one to two years, or felony aggravated assault, which carries a 10-year to 20-year maximum sentence," says criminal defense attorney Lloyd Long III.
A source close to the Duggars tells the tabloid that the family is very aware – and very frightened – of what might happen to Josh if this case goes to trial:
"[Jim Bob] doesn’t want this case becoming a criminal matter," the insider says.
"He knows Josh would never be the same if he went inside."
"They’re afraid Josh going to jail would leave an indelible stain on the family name, and that they, too, would be punished for years because of what he did."
Josh recently left rehab after several months of treatment for sex and pornography addiction, and he probably feels that the worst is behind him.
But believe it not, 2016 might be an even more challenging year for everyone’s least-favorite Duggar.