Joseph Garrett Duggar (also known as Jedidiah Duggar from 19 Kids and Counting) faces serious felony charges in Florida for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl in 2020 during a vacation. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office charged him with molestation of a victim under 12 and lewd/lascivious behavior by an adult. He was arrested Wednesday in Tontitown, Arkansas, and remains detained in Washington County, awaiting extradition.
His wife, Kendra Duggar (27), was arrested Friday in Arkansas on misdemeanor charges: four counts each of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree false imprisonment. She was booked around 5 p.m. local time and released about 1 hour later. Tontitown police also charged Joseph with the same misdemeanors, calling it an “active investigation” involving minors, so details are limited by Arkansas law.
Family and Show Background
The Duggars starred in TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting (2008–2015), which followed Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s 19 kids. It ended after scandals involving their eldest son, Josh Duggar, who molested five girls (including sisters) as a teen. Josh was later convicted in 2021 of possessing child sex abuse material and sentenced to 12.5 years in prison.
Joseph’s sister, Jill Duggar Dillard, issued a family statement expressing shock, supporting the victim, and offering prayers. No attorneys for Joseph or Kendra have commented publicly yet, and court records weren’t immediately available.
This case echoes the family’s past controversies but involves new allegations from 2020. Officials emphasize protecting the investigation and victims’ privacy.
