News has come out that Joseph Duggar has recently been arrested amid allegations of child molestation. Since then, comments made by Joseph concerning charges against his brother Josh have resurfaced. This also comes out as investigators try to find more information concerning Joseph’s case, including comments made by the alleged victim.
Joseph Duggar’s Brother Josh Was Previously Arrested In 2021
Viewers became familiar with the Duggar family through the reality series, 19 Kids and Counting, originally 17 Kids and Counting, and Counting On. These shows followed the family, led by parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, and their children as they lived in Arkansas.
In 2021, Josh was arrested on charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. He was found guilty on all charges by the end of the year, eventually being sentenced to over 12 years in prison.
Recently, news has come out that Josh’s brother Joseph was booked into the Washington County, Arkansas, jail on March 18. Reportedly, this was over charges of child molestation.
This was said to be in connection with an alleged 2020 incident that took place during a Florida trip with the victim’s family. Some reports described the victim as a 9-year-old girl.
Another Brother Also Discussed The Case Around The Same Time As Joseph
Years prior, however, in 2015, Joseph condemned Josh’s behavior after he was accused of sexually abusing five girls. As noted by People, this included his sisters Jill and Jessa.
In a promo clip for Jill & Jessa: Counting On, a three-part TLC special, Joseph said, “Whenever somebody you respect the most is willing to get up and proclaim what we believe as Christians, about being true to your wife, you’d never think that that’s the person who’s involved in it.” He added, “It broke my heart,” noting his shock that his brother “was living such a secret life.”
As the outlet noted, their brother, John-David Duggar, also weighed in on the allegations at the time. “I always wanted to be like him. But one of the toughest things I ever had to tell my older brother was, ‘I don’t want to be like you anymore.’”
The outlet previously confirmed that Joseph was awaiting extradition to Bay County to face the charges. The now 14-year-old victim allegedly shared with investigators, “Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap. As the vacation continued, he also asked her to sit next to him on a couch. And covered them with a blanket. During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and grazed her genitals. Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs.” She also claimed that he eventually stopped after apologizing to her.
