Joseph Duggar, a former star of 19 Kids and Counting, is facing serious legal charges following an alleged incident that dates back to 2020.
Authorities in Bay County, Florida, announced that Duggar, 31, has been charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under the age of 12, as well as additional related charges. He is currently in custody in Arkansas and is expected to be extradited to Florida to face the allegations.
According to officials, the case involves a girl who was 9 years old at the time of the alleged incident during a family vacation in Panama City Beach. Investigators say the situation came to light after the victim, now a teenager, participated in a forensic interview connected to a report of past abuse.
“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,” Bay County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement via PEOPLE.
He then allegedly apologized to the victim for his actions. The victim is now 14 years old.
In a statement, authorities detailed allegations that Duggar engaged in inappropriate conduct during the trip. The victim later reported the incidents to her family, leading to further investigation.
Law enforcement also stated that Duggar allegedly acknowledged his actions when confronted by the victim’s father, though the case is now moving through the legal system.
Duggar has not publicly commented on the charges.
The arrest comes as the Duggar family has previously faced public scrutiny tied to other legal matters involving Josh Duggar, who was arrested for possession of child pornography in 2021. Josh, Joseph’s older brother, was found guilty and was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison back in 2022.
Officials have not yet confirmed when Duggar will be transported to Florida as the case proceeds.
