Joseph Duggar Arrested Over 2020 Allegations Near Arkansas Home

Joseph Duggar, a former member of the reality series that once showcased his family’s life, was taken into custody by local police near his residence in Tontitown, Arkansas, on March 18. Authorities say the arrest follows claims that he abused a nine‑year‑old girl during a family vacation in Florida six years ago. The case will now be moved to Bay County, Florida, where the alleged incident occurred.

The charges filed by the Bay County Sheriff's Office list Duggar as facing accusations of “lewd and lascivious behavior—molestation of a victim less than 12 years‑old—and lewd and lascivious conduct by someone 18 or older.” A fourteen‑year‑old girl has reported several incidents that she says took place while her family was staying on Danny Drive in 2020. According to investigators, the girl’s father confronted Duggar the day before his arrest, and Duggar reportedly admitted to the misconduct. He also confirmed the allegations during a police interview.

Details about how Duggar and the alleged victim met remain unclear, as do the circumstances of the confrontation—whether it happened face‑to‑face or over the phone. The family has not yet responded to the accusations, and no statement has been issued.

Duggar lives in a property on the outskirts of Tontitown with his wife, Kendra, and their four children: Garrett, Justus, Addison, and Brooklyn. The couple own several homes in the area, including a renovated cabin that they now rent out as a short‑term vacation rental. The property listing shows two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and outdoor amenities such as a fireplace and hot tub.

The Duggar family is best known for the long‑running reality show that chronicled their large household. The series ended in 2015 after the eldest son, Josh Duggar, was implicated in a child‑molestation scandal. Josh later faced additional charges related to child pornography and received a twelve‑year prison sentence in 2022. His wife, Anna, and their seven children currently reside in a $1 million home that Jim Bob Duggar purchased for them using funds from a 2025 sale of Walmart land.

While the family’s public image has been marred by multiple legal issues, they continue to own and manage various properties across Arkansas. The latest arrest adds another layer of controversy to their already complex story.