Home Uncategorized SHERIFF CALLS HIM OUT — “I DON’T CARE IF HE’S GOT A TV SHOW” AS JOSEPH DUGGAR FACES CHILD MOLESTATION ALLEGATIONS AND ARREST UPDATE A sheriff has publicly slammed Joseph Duggar following his arrest over child molestation allegations, making it clear that fame offers no protection as the case moves forward, with a blunt statement that is now drawing widespread attention and signaling a hardline stance from authorities, and as new details emerge about his condition and status after being taken into custody, the situation is quickly evolving into a high-profile case that is being closely watched, raising serious questions about what comes next and how the investigation will unfold from herea

SHERIFF CALLS HIM OUT — “I DON’T CARE IF HE’S GOT A TV SHOW” AS JOSEPH DUGGAR FACES CHILD MOLESTATION ALLEGATIONS AND ARREST UPDATE A sheriff has publicly slammed Joseph Duggar following his arrest over child molestation allegations, making it clear that fame offers no protection as the case moves forward, with a blunt statement that is now drawing widespread attention and signaling a hardline stance from authorities, and as new details emerge about his condition and status after being taken into custody, the situation is quickly evolving into a high-profile case that is being closely watched, raising serious questions about what comes next and how the investigation will unfold from herea

Uncategorized · 22/03/2026 · comments off

Duggar is accused of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl in 2020 while on vacation in Florida

Joseph Duggar mugshot; Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford talks to the media
Joseph Duggar mugshot; Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford.Credit : Washington County Sheriff’s Department; MIKE FENDER/THE NEWS HERALD/USA TODAY NETWORK

NEED TO KNOW

  • A Florida sheriff says Joseph Duggar “will be held accountable” following child molestation allegations
  • Duggar was arrested on March 18 in Arkansas and faces charges tied to alleged incidents in Florida
  • Authorities say a 14-year-old reported the alleged abuse occurred during a 2020 family vacation

A Florida sheriff is speaking out following the arrest of Joseph Duggar, saying the reality TV figure will be treated no differently than any other defendant.

“I don’t care if he’s got a TV show, or who he is, or what he’s done,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford told local outlet WJHG. “He’s committed an illegal act and he’s going to be held accountable for that.”

The former 19 Kids and Counting star, 31, has been charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.

The charges against Duggar were filed by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office on March 18 after they learned about an alleged incident from 2020. Duggar is accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl while she was on vacation with her family in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Joseph Duggar booking photo / mugshot
Joseph Duggar mugshot.Washington County Sheriffs Department

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for  PEOPLE‘s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

There is also a possibility that Joseph could face additional charges, as Corey Jenison, Chief of the Tontitown Police Department in Arkansas, previously told PEOPLE, “there is still an open investigation being conducted.”

According to the BCSO, the girl claimed Duggar engaged in “unlawful sexual activity” after asking her to sit on his lap and later next to him under a blanket, where he is accused of touching her inappropriately. He later allegedly apologized, per the sheriff, after which the alleged incidents stopped.

Duggar had been asked about the girl’s accusations by her father on the night of March 17 and allegedly confessed, according to a statement from the BCSO.

Joseph Duggar, 19 Kids and Counting
Joseph Duggar on ’19 Kids and Counting’.TLC

Duggar was arrested in Arkansas, where he lives, and made his first court appearance via Zoom on the morning of Friday, March 20, waiving his right to an extradition hearing and paving the way for him to be extradited to Florida.

Duggar’s arrest comes nearly four years after his older brother, Josh Duggar, 38, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison on charges of possession of child pornography in 2022. Josh was also accused of sexually abusing five girls, including his sisters, Jill (Duggar) Dillard and Jessa (Duggar) Seewald.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

Related Posts

🦠 HANTAVIRUS MAY LINGER IN SEMEN FOR SIX YEARS — AND COULD TURN INTO A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION Scientists have discovered the Andes strain of hantavirus can persist in male semen for nearly six years after infection, even when it’s gone from blood, urine, and lungs. While this doesn’t prove the virus is sexually transmitted, it raises alarming questions about hidden reservoirs in the body and possible long-term risks. The discovery echoes how other viruses like Ebola and Zika can linger in the reproductive tract. Experts urge caution but stress that confirmed sexual transmission of hantavirus has not yet occurred. 👉 Full story in the comments.

🦠 HANTAVIRUS MAY LINGER IN SEMEN FOR SIX YEARS — AND COULD TURN INTO A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION Scientists have discovered the Andes strain of hantavirus can persist in male semen for nearly six years after infection, even when it’s gone from blood, urine, and lungs. While this doesn’t prove the virus is sexually transmitted, it raises alarming questions about hidden reservoirs in the body and possible long-term risks. The discovery echoes how other viruses like Ebola and Zika can linger in the reproductive tract. Experts urge caution but stress that confirmed sexual transmission of hantavirus has not yet occurred. 👉 Full story in the comments.

THE COURTROOM WENT SILENT AS ATHENA STRAND’S MOTHER SPOKE — WHAT SHE REVEALED LEFT HER DAUGHTER’S KILLER FROZEN Face-to-face with Tanner Horner, the woman who lost her daughter in a horrific crime dropped a bombshell no one saw coming. The moment she spoke a few powerful words, Horner froze completely, leaving the courtroom in stunned silence. Witnesses recall the tension being almost unbearable as the emotional weight of the revelation hit every person in the room. The secret she revealed has sent shockwaves through families, supporters, and the public, raising chilling questions about what else may come to light as the case unfolds. 👇 WATCH the unforgettable moment and read the full story

“I COULD HEAR NOTHING BUT SILENCE UNDER THE WATER” — HUSBAND OF WIFE AND DAUGHTER LOST IN MALDIVES SCUBA TRAGEDY INSISTS SOMETHING WENT HORRIBLY WRONG The family’s dream holiday turned into unimaginable horror in an instant when a husband watched as his wife and young daughter vanished beneath the waves. He insists “something happened down there”, and the chilling footage from the scene shows the chaos that unfolded as rescue teams scrambled. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the dive, but questions about what went wrong remain unanswered, leaving the community in shock and the family desperate for answers. 👇 WATCH the shocking moments and follow the investigation — the truth behind this fatal dive is more terrifying than anyone expected.

mai plinh