Former reality star Joseph Duggar posted a $600,000 bond Tuesday and is returning to Arkansas.
Joseph Duggar, a former star of the TLC series "19 Kids and Counting," was released from a Florida jail Tuesday after a judge set a high bond for charges involving the molestation of a child.Joseph Garrett Duggar, 31, posted a $600,000 bond Tuesday afternoon following his first appearance in Bay County.
Judge Tracy Smith set the bond at $500,000 for a charge of lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 12 and $100,000 for lewd and lascivious conduct. His attorney, Albert Sauline, confirmed Duggar was scheduled to fly home to Arkansas later that day. Duggar was arrested March 18 in Tontitown, Arkansas, and transferred to Florida to face the charges.The charges stem from a 2020 family trip to Panama City Beach. According to an arrest affidavit, a 14-year-old girl told police Duggar molested her several times when she was 9. The girl’s father reportedly confronted Duggar, who admitted to the abuse. Arkansas detectives later monitored a phone call between the father and Duggar, where police say he admitted to the actions a second time. Duggar is also the younger brother of Josh Duggar, who was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in prison in 2022 on child sexual abuse material charges.Defense attorney Albert Sauline argued for a reasonable bond, noting Duggar had no prior criminal record. "Our No. 1 goal is to make sure he is treated fairly," Sauline said, specifically referencing Duggar's celebrity status.During the hearing, the state highlighted the severity of the case. "We're asking for a substantial monetary bond. In this case, it's a serious charge against the child," the prosecutor told the judge.Defense attorney Albert Sauline argued for a reasonable bond, noting Duggar had no prior criminal record. "Our number one goal is to make sure he is treated fairly," Sauline said, specifically referencing Duggar's celebrity status.During the hearing, the state highlighted the severity of the case. "We're asking for a substantial monetary bond. In this case, it's a serious charge against the child," the prosecutor told the judge.In a phone interview with FOX 5 Atlanta, Sauline reemphasized that he is confident Duggar’s celebrity status and his family will not come into play during the court proceedings. "We simply ask that my client be treated fairly," Sauline said, lauding the professionalism of the Florida court.As a condition of his release, Duggar is barred from having any contact with the victim and cannot have unsupervised contact with any person under the age of 18. His next court appearance in Florida is an arraignment scheduled for April 20. As of Tuesday evening, Duggar was on his way back home to Arkansas.
Fl News Us Ar Crime Publicsafety
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Joseph Duggar reveals he’s in solitary after arrest for allegedly molesting girl, 9Joseph Duggar in a jailhouse phone call with his wife revealed he has spent most of his time in solitary confinement following his arrest for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl in Florida more than five years ago.
Read more »
Joseph Duggar Released From Jail, Whereabouts UnknownJoseph Duggar's extradition is underway after he was released from Washington County Jail and transferred amid child molestation charges
Read more »
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar break silence on son Joseph’s arrest: 'Heartbroken'Joseph Duggar, who was arrested for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl, has been hit with additional charges as his wife, Kendra, was also shockingly arrested in Arkansas Friday.
Read more »
Duggar Family Speaks Out After Joseph Duggar's ArrestJim Bob and Michelle Duggar released a statement through a spokesperson following their son Joseph Duggar's arrest for alleged child molestation. The accusations stem from incidents involving a 14-year-old victim during a family vacation in 2020. Details from Florida police reports, including the victim's account and Joseph's alleged actions, are outlined. Joseph was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior.
Read more »
Kendra Duggar drops major bombshell on Joseph Duggar during prison call amid child endangerment caseJoseph Duggar, who was arrested for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl, has been hit with additional charges as his wife, Kendra, was also shockingly arrested in Arkansas Friday.
Read more »
Joseph Duggar of '19 Kids and Counting' Faces Sexual Abuse ChargesReality TV star Joseph Duggar from '19 Kids and Counting' was arrested and faces charges of sexual abuse, including allegations of repeatedly assaulting a 9-year-old girl during a family vacation in 2020. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a court appearance.
Read more »