Joseph Duggar‘s family hasn’t stayed silent since his arrest on child molestation charges in March 2026. Multiple relatives reached out to the 31-year-old while he was behind bars — some offering prayers and love, others discussing what’s next.
Joseph was arrested on March 18 in Arkansas on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior, molesting a victim under 12 and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person over 18.
A 14-year-old victim came forward to Arkansas police alleging Joseph molested her when she was 9 years old during a vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, in 2020. Four additional counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment were also levied against Joseph and his wife, Kendra Duggar, over completely separate allegations in Arkansas.
Following his extradition, Joseph was released from Florida’s Bay County Jail on March 31 after posting $600,000 bail. He has pleaded not guilty ahead of a court hearing.
Here’s a look at every family member who reached out to Joseph while he was in jail:
Jim Bob Duggar’s Blunt Email to Joseph Duggar
Joseph Duggar’s father, Jim Bob Duggar, did not hold back in an email dated March 25.
“Joseph, I’m so sorry for what you are going through. Mom & I love you very much!” Jim Bob wrote per jail records obtained by Us Weekly. “Looks like you have a long road ahead of you, but God will get you through. You have made some terrible decisions, but God has already forgiven you if you have asked him.”
Jim Bob continued, “You are just going to have to accept the situation at this point and it’s also fine to pray that God would have mercy on you, but you’re probably gonna face a [sic] major consequences for several years to come.”
Anna Duggar Sent Joseph Duggar Multiple Emails With Practical Advice
Anna Duggar, the wife of Joseph Duggar’s eldest brother, Josh Duggar (who is currently serving a 151-month prison sentence for receiving and possessing child pornography), sent Joseph multiple emails beginning on March 21.
“You’ve got our prayers. We love you — however we can help, please let us know,” Anna wrote, per email records obtained by Us. “I think I put some money on your books. I don’t remember how phone calls and video calls work.”
She added, “Just remember, don’t talk about anything legal unless you are with an attorney. Everything said in these messages, phone calls and video chats are recorded and turned over to prosecutors.”
Austin Forsyth’s Email as Joy-Anna Duggar Speaks Out
Joy-Anna Duggar‘s husband, Austin Forsyth, sent Joseph Duggar a supportive email during his stay at the Washington County Detention Center.
“I want you to know that I love you,” Austin wrote, per emails obtained by Us. “Jesus loves you, and continues to draw you closer to Him.”
He added, “I am praising God that we started getting closer to you guys within the last year and a half. He knew that Kendra was going to need help. We will, and are helping her!”
Joy-Anna broke her silence about her brother’s arrest on March 26. “What has come out about my brother is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing,” she wrote via Instagram. “My heart is with the victim, and I am grieved by the pain and harm caused.”
Michelle Duggar and Kendra Duggar Rallied Around Joseph Duggar
Kendra Duggar told Joseph Duggar during a recorded jail phone call that his mother, Michelle Duggar, had been a source of guidance.
“Your mom and I, we got to visit this morning, and she was encouraging me with how to live humbly,” Kendra said, according to People.
Through multiple calls from custody, Kendra relayed the broader family’s feelings. “Just know that everybody loves you, even if they’re disappointed,” she shared during a March 26 conversation released by TMZ.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
