Joseph Duggar admits ‘intentions were not pure’ in call with accuser’s father, affidavit says
TONTITOWN, ARKANSAS: Joseph Duggar admitted that his "intentions were not pure" while confessing to an alleged unlawful incident during a phone call with a detective and the father of the victim, according to an affidavit filed by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
The document outlines the events from 2020 that have led to multiple serious charges against the former reality TV star. Joseph is currently awaiting extradition to Florida to answer for the incident.
Florida authorities have up to 30 days to take custody of Duggar from Arkansas following his waiver of an extradition hearing, after which he will be transported to face charges in Bay County.
Affidavit outlines Joseph Duggar's admission
The case began after the alleged victim reported the incident to police in Arkansas, prompting coordination between local authorities and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the affidavit, BCSO Criminal Investigator Chase Norris was informed by a detective from the Tontitown Police Department that Joseph had spoken with the father of the girl on March 17.
Norris then "requested the detective and victim’s father call the defendant" to document the conversation.
Once on the phone, the affidavit states that Joseph "admitted to his actions" and also "admitted his intentions were not pure."
The document indicates that most of these details were gathered during a forensic interview with the victim, who recounted interactions that took place during a family vacation to Panama City Beach several years ago.
Investigator Norris, in the affidavit, detailed the repeated interactions between Joseph and the child during a 2020 trip that allegedly crossed boundaries and left the child feeling uncomfortable.
According to the investigation, Joseph "eventually approached the victim and apologized for his actions," and the incident reportedly stopped after that apology.
Background on Duggar family's legal troubles
This marks the second time a son in the Duggar family has faced such serious legal trouble, following his brother Josh Duggar’s 2021 conviction and subsequent 12-year prison sentence.
In addition to the Florida case, Duggar and his wife, Kendra, are facing state charges together.
Duggar, who appeared on all four seasons of his family's TLC reality series franchise, has been married to his wife Kendra since 2017.
It was announced on Friday, March 20, that both husband and wife have been charged with four counts each of endangering the welfare of a child and false imprisonment.
Officials have said the Arkansas charges are separate from the Florida case tied to the 2020 incident.
