Joseph Duggar Arrested, Facing Bay County Charges
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Staff Reports
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March 19, 2026
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10:59 am -
Crime, Emerald Coast, Public Safety
In Brief:
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Joseph Duggar was arrested in connection with alleged abuse during a 2020 vacation.
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The victim disclosed the incidents during a forensic interview years later.
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Investigators say the suspect admitted to the actions and is awaiting extradition.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. — An Arkansas man is facing serious charges following an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor during a family vacation in Panama City Beach. According to a post on the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page, the case stems from incidents reported to have occurred several years ago.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Joseph Garrett Duggar. Investigators say they were contacted on March 18, 2026, by a detective with the Tontitown Police Department regarding a report of past abuse.
During a forensic interview, the now 14-year-old victim described multiple incidents that allegedly occurred in 2020, when she was nine years old. Authorities say the incidents took place at a residence on Danny Drive while the families were vacationing in Panama City Beach.
According to investigators, Duggar engaged in inappropriate physical contact with the child on multiple occasions during the trip. The victim told investigators the behavior eventually stopped after Duggar apologized.
The investigation intensified after the victim’s father confronted Duggar on March 17, 2026. Authorities say Duggar admitted to his actions during that confrontation and later to detectives.
Duggar was arrested out of state and charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 12, as well as lewd and lascivious conduct by a person 18 years or older. He is currently awaiting extradition to Bay County.
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