Counting On‘s Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar are living through a parent’s worst nightmare again. On March 18, Joseph Duggar, 31, was arrested in Arkansas for lewd and lascivious behavior that included having sex with a juvenile in an illegal way.
He is accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old child when the family was on vacation in Florida in 2020. The girl, who is now 14, told police about sexual abuse that happened in the past and “disclosed several incidents” that she says involved the TLC star, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in Florida
A spokesperson for the 19 Kids and Counting stars has released a statement less than two weeks after their son Joseph Duggar was arrested for allegedly molesting a child. They are going through this tough time with Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar, and his four kids.
Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar Break Silence
“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” an insider for the Duggars told US Weekly “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.” Jessa, Jill, Joy, Jinger, and Jason Duggar have also spoken about their heartbreak over what their brother has done.
According to Florida police, the victim took part in a forensic interview in which she talked about an alleged pattern of abuse by Duggar. Joseph was ultimately charged with lewd and lascivious activity that included molesting a victim who was younger than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior by someone who was 18 years old or older.
“The victim reported Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap,” Bay County, Florida, police said in a statement released on Wednesday. “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.”
According to police records, he was moved out of the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Friday, March 27. His whereabouts are unknown at this time.
Kendra Also Arrested and Charged
TLC viewers who watched 19 Kids and Counting and its spin-off show. Counting On showed Joseph growing up on TLC. Counting On told the story of Joseph’s relationship and marriage to Kendra. Joseph and Kendra have four kids together: Garrett, who is 7, Addison, who is 6, Brooklyn, who is 5, and Justus, who is 3.
According to jail records, Kendra was arrested and then released on March 20. She was charged with four counts of second-degree false imprisonment and four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The Tontitown Police Department in Arkansas noted in a press statement that Joseph is also facing these allegations. The 27-year-old is going to court on April 29. Kendra has revealed in a jailhouse call that she has detained her brother -in-law Josh Duggar’s Arkansas attorney.
Joseph Duggar faces a minimum of 15 years to life if convicted in the state of Florida. Come back to the Daily News Corner for more Duggar family updates.
