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Joseph Duggar Arrested in Arkansas, Charged in Florida With Child Molestation

Investigators cite a forensic interview alongside an alleged admission to detectives after a 2020 trip to Panama City Beach.

Overview

  • Bay County, Florida, charged the 31-year-old former reality TV cast member with lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 and lewd and lascivious behavior by an adult.
  • Authorities say the now-14-year-old reported multiple incidents from a 2020 family vacation in Panama City Beach, including allegations that Duggar covered them with a blanket and manipulated her underwear.
  • An arrest affidavit states the girl participated in a forensic interview this week, prompting Tontitown, Arkansas, police to coordinate with Bay County investigators.
  • Detectives report the victim’s father confronted Duggar on March 17 and that Duggar admitted his actions to the father and to Tontitown detectives.
  • Duggar was booked in Washington County, Arkansas, and is awaiting extradition to Bay County; no public statements from Duggar or most family members have been issued.