Former TLC star Joseph Duggar was arrested on Wednesday, March 18, after being accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl in 2020.
Wednesday’s arrest marks the second child sex abuse case to hit the famous family following Joseph’s older brother Josh Duggar‘s child pornography conviction. Josh was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison in December 2021.
The Duggar family rose to fame through their TLC show 19 Kids and Counting, which premiered in 2008. The series followed Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar as they raised their children: Josh, twins Jana and John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy-Anna, twins Jedidiah and Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn, and Josie.
Joseph married wife Kendra Duggar in September 2017 and they share four children: Garrett David, born in June 2018, Addison Renee, born in November 2019, Brooklyn Praise, born in February 2021, and Justus Joseph, born in February 2022.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Joseph’s arrest so far:
Was Joseph Duggar Arrested?
Joseph Duggar was arrested at approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, by the Tontitown Police Department in Arkansas. Authorities obtained a warrant from Bay County, where the alleged incident took place, according to a press release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
What Are the Charges Against Joseph Duggar?
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office press release outlines two charges against Joseph Duggar. The first: lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old. The second: lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.
Who Filed Accusations Against Joseph Duggar?
The alleged victim is a 14-year-old girl, and the alleged incident occurred in 2020 — roughly six years before his arrest. Joseph Duggar allegedly sexually abused the girl during a family vacation in Panama City Beach when she was 9 years old.
“The victim reported Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap,” Bay City police shared in a statement. “As the vacation continued, he also asked her to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket. During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and grazed her genitals. Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs.”
The victim told a detective from Arkansas’s Tontitown Police Department in a forensic interview that there were “several instances of sexual abuse” involving Joseph, according to the affidavit obtained by People. Joseph was 25 years old at the time, while his wife, Kendra Duggar, was pregnant with their third baby.
The accuser recalled feeling “uncomfortable” and “confused” during the incidents. Joseph “eventually approached the victim and apologized for his actions,” at which time “the incidents stopped occurring,” according to the report.
Has Joseph Duggar Spoken Out Following His Arrest?
There has been no statement from Joseph Duggar or his legal representation. His wife, Kendra Duggar, has not yet addressed his arrest.
Has Joseph Duggar Appeared in Court?
Joseph Duggar appeared in court virtually on March 20. He did not enter a plea and waived his right to an extradition hearing. The reality TV alum is currently awaiting extradition to Florida.
