Police Arrest Reality Star Joseph Duggar On Child Molestation Charges

Police arrested former “19 Kids and Counting” star Joseph Duggar for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl while on vacation.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office in Florida announced Wednesday on Facebook that Duggar was arrested on charges of “Lewd and Lascivious Behavior, involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor.”

“On March 18, 2026, Bay County investigators were contacted by a detective with the Tontitown Police Department regarding a report of past sexual abuse,” the statement continued. “The 14-year-old victim participated in a forensic interview, where she disclosed several incidents involving Duggar that occurred during a family vacation in Panama City Beach when she was 9 years old.”

The police said their investigation concluded that the alleged incidents took place in 2020 while the family was staying at a residence on Danny Drive.

“The victim reported Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap,” the statement reads. “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.”

The victim reportedly told police that Duggar apologized for his actions, after which time the alleged incidents ceased.

“Investigators discovered the victim’s father confronted Duggar about these incidents on March 17th, 2026. Duggar admitted his actions to the victim’s father and to Tontitown Detectives,” the police statement reads.

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – APRIL 29: In this handout photo provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, former television personality on “19 Kids And Counting” Josh Duggar poses for a booking photo after his arrest April 29, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Duggar was reportedly arrested by federal agents and is being detained on a federal hold. (Photo by Washington County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

Duggar was arrested out of state and is awaiting extradition to Bay County. (RELATED: Police Reportedly Arrest Nickelodeon Child Star Chris O’Neal — Then Release Him)

Duggar’s older brother Josh is serving a 12-year sentence for possession of child pornography.