Several members of the Duggar family were shocked and outraged Joseph Dugger Arrested for child molestation. Joseph’s brother, Jason Duggar, and his wife, Maddie, are among the latest family members to speak out, sharing a statement about Joseph’s arrest on Instagram on March 26.
“We, like many, have spent this week feeling completely shocked, confused and sad, to name a few emotions. We are disgusted to hear the news about my brother, but that’s not how it has affected our lives. Our hearts are heavy that a child’s life has been turned upside down by the evil actions of someone who should not have harmed a vulnerable community. It is unthinkable,” they said.
“We are outraged by what happened and we pray that God’s righteous hand and the court system will bring justice in this case. Maddie and I have always had a special place in our hearts for the vulnerable people around us and we will continue to do so. To think that someone would abuse their power to harass innocent people is despicable,” Jason added.
The couple also requested prayers for the victims and Joseph’s children. “We ask that you pray for the victim who bravely shared what happened. We also ask that you pray for his family at this time as his children must deal with the loss of a father who should have been a spiritual leader in their lives,” they said. “We will always stand with the innocent children.”
What are the charges and what might Joseph face?
Joseph Duggar, 31, was arrested on March 19 and charged with serious crimes including sexual misconduct involving a child under 12 and similar conduct by an adult over 18.
Rachael Bennett, a certified family law specialist and senior attorney at Sullivan Law & Associates, told Us Weekly that Joseph is now awaiting transfer from Arkansas to Florida, where his trial will take place.
“He is currently awaiting transfer from Arkansas to Florida, where he will face trial on child molestation charges.” Bennett told Us Weekly .
“He was also charged with the same child endangerment charges as Kendra [Duggar] Something to do with home inspections, but I would say those are considered minor. Those specific charges could have resulted in a life sentence if he had been convicted in Florida, and if a life sentence had not been imposed, Florida law requires what is known as a “split sentence,” which would be a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison followed by life probation. “
The charges are related to a 2020 incident involving a 9-year-old girl who was vacationing with her family in Panama City Beach, Florida, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
According to BCSO, “During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and abrased her genitals. Duggar would also continue to rub his hands against her thighs,” the office added. “The victim stated that Duggar eventually apologized for his actions and the incident ceased after the apology.”
Joseph’s wife Kendra Duggar was also arrested
Bennett also explained what Kendra might be facing. “She was charged with a total of eight counts, each of which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Technically, she could have faced up to eight years in prison, plus a substantial fine, but I think it’s worth noting that she was charged in the second degree rather than in the first degree, indicating that investigators found no evidence that the children were actually harmed or at risk of some serious harm.”
“If there is no evidence to support this, then the charges may be resolved with a lighter sentence, particularly for first offenders,” she added.
Kendra Duggar was arrested on March 20, just days after her husband, Joseph Duggar, was taken into custody.
Kendra was reportedly charged with four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree unlawful imprisonment. She was taken to the Washington County Jail on March 20 but was released the same day after posting bail.
