Joseph Duggar waives extradition in Zoom call hearing, faces Florida transfer after arrest
TONTITOWN, ARKANSAS: Joseph Garrett Duggar has waived his right to an extradition hearing, clearing the way for his transfer to Florida in connection with alleged unlawful conduct during a 2020 vacation in Panama City Beach.
The 31-year-old former reality TV star made his first court appearance virtually on Friday, March 20. Florida authorities now have 30 days to take him into custody from an Arkansas jail.
Joseph Duggar's hearing before judge
Joseph, known for appearing on TLC's ’19 Kids and Counting', was arrested on Wednesday, March 18. Two days later, he appeared via Zoom before Judge Taylor Samples for a hearing related to his alleged actions.
The proceeding began at 8:30 am and lasted about a minute, according to a report by People. He did not enter a plea and waived his right to an extradition hearing.
His wife, Kendra Duggar, did not attend the hearing. No other family members were present.
He wore a gray-and-white prison jumpsuit, with his hair slicked back. Joseph also sported a slight beard and mustache.
Joseph Duggar's family breaks silence after his arrest
Following Joseph Duggar’s arrest, his sister Jill Duggar Dillard and her family publicly reacted, expressing shock and heartbreak while extending support to the victim.
Writing on the Dillard family blog, she stated, “We were shocked yesterday evening to learn of Jill’s brother's (Joseph Duggar’s) arrest."
Rather than focusing on her brother, Jill directed most of her message toward the victim and her family in a supportive and compassionate tone.
She explained that their family had only learned about the allegations the previous day, after receiving a text message from a friend who informed them about the reports.
The news left the family shaken and deeply saddened.
“We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved. Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family,” adding, “We pray God gives her strength, comfort and hope, and that she is able to get all the help and support she needs and deserves in the days ahead.”
Joseph Duggar facing new charges
Joseph Duggar is facing new criminal charges in Arkansas. A spokesperson for the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Arkansas told PEOPLE that he has been charged with four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment.
No further details were disclosed, but the new charges follow a lengthy search of Duggar’s home by investigators on Thursday, March 19.
A source close to the investigation told the publication that the latest charges are unrelated to the case Florida authorities are pursuing against Joseph.
