A member of the Duggar family who appeared on the reality television series 19 Kids and Counting has been arrested and is awaiting extradition to Florida to face charges involving alleged crimes against a minor, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said Joseph Garrett Duggar, 31, was arrested out of state and will be extradited to Bay County, Florida, where investigators say the alleged incidents occurred. Duggar is married with four children.
The arrest comes years after Duggar’s older brother, Josh Duggar, was convicted in federal court in 2021 on charges related to child sexual abuse material. Josh Duggar was later sentenced to more than a decade in federal prison. His earliest release date is October 2, 2032.
That case brought renewed scrutiny to the Duggar family, whose conservative Christian lifestyle was documented for years on TLC programming. TLC canceled 19 Kids and Counting following earlier scandals involving Josh Duggar.
Newsweek has reached out to the Duggar family via their website Wednesday night for comment.
Duggar Family Member Arrested, Sheriff Says
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said Joseph Duggar was arrested Wednesday following an investigation into allegations of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a child.
According to the sheriff’s office, Duggar is charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, including molestation of a victim younger than 12 and lewd and lascivious conduct by a person 18 or older. He remains in custody pending extradition to Bay County.
Investigation Began After Arkansas Referral
Authorities said Bay County investigators were contacted by a detective in Tontitown, Arkansas, where the Duggar family is based, regarding a report of alleged past sexual abuse. The referral led to a joint investigation between Florida and Arkansas law‑enforcement agencies.
During a forensic interview, investigators said a child, now 14 years old, disclosed accusations involving Duggar that allegedly occurred when the youth was 9 during a family vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida.
According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation moved quickly after the Arkansas referral, with Florida and Arkansas authorities coordinating after the forensic interview. Investigators said the alleged conduct occurred during a single family trip to Panama City Beach and was disclosed years later during a child advocacy interview.
Law enforcement said the case advanced after the child’s father confronted Duggar on March 17, leading to admissions that were later corroborated during interviews with detectives. Officials said Duggar was arrested and will be transported to Bay County once extradition proceedings are completed, where he is expected to make his first court appearance.
What Happens Next
Officials said Joseph Duggar will be transported to Florida to appear before a judge once extradition is completed. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional details may be released as the case proceeds through the court system.
No court date has been announced, and authorities have not said whether Duggar has retained legal counsel.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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