A booking video has come out following Joseph Duggar’s decision to forgo his extradition hearing in Arkansas, meaning he will be sent to Florida to face child molestation charges.
Joseph, known for his role in “19 Kids and Counting,” was arrested for alleged sexual abuse of a child under 12, as well as lewd and lascivious conduct. This was reported by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
The video shows a deputy thoroughly searching Duggar. At first, the officer takes off his hat and checks him before leading him to a bench where he sits with his hands secured behind his back.
Later in the footage, Joseph is seen removing his shoes and socks, then putting his socks back on so that officers could inspect his feet.
He has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a nine-year-old during a trip to Florida.
As for the circumstances surrounding his arrest, Duggar also faces multiple charges in Arkansas, including second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree false imprisonment, unrelated to the allegations in Florida.
Local police visited the Duggar home recently to serve an arrest warrant for his wife, Kendra, who is similarly facing counts of endangering minors and false imprisonment.
Following Joseph’s arrest, family members have expressed their outrage. His cousin, Amy Duggar King, shared her deep anger regarding the allegations against him, stating that she feels sickened and heartbroken. She emphasized the need for the victim to be safe and protected, commending the child’s bravery in coming forward.
Dr. King, a member of the family, expressed her shock at the news but noted that she’s sadly not shocked by the emergence of yet another alleged predator from what she described as a “toxic system.” She stressed the importance of accountability, especially in families.
Josh Duggar, currently serving a 12-year sentence for possessing child pornography, released a statement through his attorney claiming the charges against Joseph are false. He expressed an understanding of the pain of false accusations, emphasizing how they can distort a person’s life.
Jill Duggar Dillard, another relative, articulated her shock and heartbreak upon learning of Joseph’s arrest through a friend’s text about the recent media coverage. They released a statement condemning abuse and affirming their support for the victim.
The victim, now 14, reported that the incident occurred in 2020 during a family vacation in Panama City Beach. Joseph allegedly invited her to sit on his lap, covered them with a blanket, and then engaged in inappropriate contact. He later admitted to his actions when confronted by the girl’s father.
The reality series “19 Kids and Counting” was canceled back in 2015, following past controversies related to the Duggar family. The show chronicled the lives of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and their 19 children.
