Jessa & Jana Duggar Break Silence on Brother Joseph’s Arrest

Jessa and Jana Duggar are the latest family members to comment on their brother Joseph Duggar’s recent arrest on child molestation charges.

On Thursday, Jessa wrote on her Instagram Story, "We learned, along with the rest of the world, of the heartbreaking news involving my brother, Joseph, and we are deeply grieved. Our hearts ache for this innocent young girl and the harm she has suffered.”

She added, "This is a profound wrong, and we know it grieves the heart of God, who cares deeply for the children and vulnerable. We are lifting her up in prayer, asking for comfort, healing and justice.”

On the same day, Jana reacted to Joseph's arrest. She wrote on Instagram, "We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the situation involving my brother, Joseph. This news came as a shock to us, and we had no prior knowledge before it became public.”

"Our hearts are with the child who has been harmed — this is a grievous and unacceptable wrong. We continue to pray for the victim and for justice to be carried out," Jana added.

Last month, Joseph, 31, was arrested in Arkansas on charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim less than 12 years old, and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.

Joseph and his wife Kendra are also facing additional unrelated charges, including four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment.

Joseph has pleaded not guilty on all charges, waiving arraignment, and requested a jury trial.

Joseph has been released from jail after posting bail of $600,000.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office in Florida revealed in a Facebook post that Joseph’s alleged crimes occurred with a then 9-year-old victim during a family vacation to Florida in 2020.

The post stated, "The victim reported Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap. 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.”

According to law enforcement, at one point Joseph apologized to the alleged victim and the abuse stopped.

The post goes on, "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 additional charges against Joseph and Kendra were brought after a home inspection stemming from Joseph’s arrest.