Kendra Duggar has informed her incarcerated husband, Joseph Duggar, that she is retaining her own attorney ahead of their upcoming court hearing on April 29. The couple faces four misdemeanor counts each of false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child following arrests on March 20 and March 18 in Arkansas.
Details of the Jail Call
During a call from the Washington County Detention Facility, Kendra Duggar, 27, told Joseph Duggar, 31, about her decision. “I’ve been talking to Travis Story. I’ve got him as my attorney now,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if you knew that. I’ve asked him to be my attorney… Well, it’s not for you, it’s only for me.”
Post-Arrest Actions
Kendra Duggar posted $1,470 bond just 90 minutes after her booking on March 20 and left with their four children—son Garrett, 7; daughters Addison, 6, and Brooklyn, 5; and son Justus, 3—to a private residence. Joseph Duggar remains in custody, awaiting extradition to Bay County, Florida.
Additional Charges Against Joseph
Joseph Duggar faces the same eight misdemeanor counts as his wife, plus two felony counts of lewd and lascivious behavior involving sexual activity with a minor from a 2020 incident in Florida. Authorities allege he touched the underwear and genitals of a 9-year-old girl during a trip to Panama City Beach. He admitted to her father and a detective on March 17 that “his intentions were not pure.”
Family Statement
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar expressed heartbreak over the situation. “Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” the family stated. “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”
Couple’s Background
The couple met through Lighthouse Baptist Church in March 2017, became engaged that May, and married in September 2017.
Brother Josh Duggar’s Perspective
Joseph’s older brother, Josh Duggar, who is serving a 12-year sentence for child pornography convictions, believes the accusations are false. His attorney stated, “Josh understands the stigma of being accused. He lives with the painful reality of how false accusations can destroy a life. He understands how the targeting of a person for publicity can twist the truth into sensationalized fiction.” The brothers are not in frequent contact, but Josh hopes for his brother’s well-being.
