Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar have finally addressed their son Joseph Duggar’s arrest on child sexual abuse allegations, sharing their heartbreak in a statement to media outlets Monday.
A family representative conveyed: “Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation.”
Joseph Duggar faces serious charges stemming from incidents reported during a 2020 family trip, including lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor under 12. The former 19 Kids and Counting star was detained in Arkansas and awaits extradition to Florida, where details emerged of alleged molestation of a then-9-year-old girl in Panama City Beach.
This development echoes past family scandals and has drawn reactions from other Duggars, amplifying public scrutiny on the clan.
The statement continues … “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”
As we reported … Joseph was arrested earlier this month after a 14-year-old girl told law enforcement about several alleged incidents with Joseph she claims occurred during a family vacation in Panama City Beach, FL, in 2020 when she was only 9 years old.
Joseph is now facing 2 charges of lewd and lascivious behavior — one for the molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and one for conduct committed by a person 18 years or older. He was arrested on March 18 and booked by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office … where he remains behind bars.
Kendra, Joseph’s wife, was arrested in relation to a separate case and hit with 4 misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child after cops searched their home earlier this month.
She’s since been released from custody.