’19 Kids and Counting’ star Joseph Duggar held on $600K bond in Florida after plea
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Joseph Duggar requested a trial by jury after denying child molestation charges.
Duggar, 31, is accused of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under the age of 12 and lewd and lascivious touching. Florida Judge Brantley Clark ordered the reality TV star held on $600,000 bail during her first appearance in Bay County Court on Tuesday.
Clark also instructed Duggar to have no contact with the alleged victim, including any contact with a third party or through social media. He is also not allowed to have unsupervised contact with people under 18.
The next hearing date was set for April 20.
JOSEPH DUGGAR WAS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY HARASSING A 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL DURING HIS FLORIDA VACATION
Joseph Duggar requested a jury trial after denying child molestation charges. He appeared in court on March 31. (Courtesy: Bay County Court)
Duggar, who starred with her parents and siblings on TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting,” was arrested in Arkansas on March 18. His arrest came after authorities interviewed a 14-year-old girl who claimed Duggar touched her inappropriately several times during a family vacation when she was nine years old.
An arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital alleged that Duggar confessed to the sexual assault to the girl’s father after being confronted. Police officers in Arkansas, along with even a detective, had the father call Duggar, and he reportedly confessed to the actions again.
DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
WATCH: JOSEPH DUGGAR WAS SENTENCED TO JAIL BEING FACED WITH CHILD HARASSMENT CHARGES
Duggar appeared in a Florida courtroom on Tuesday, where her attorney argued for a reasonable bail setting.
“From what I understand, he has no previous criminal history, not even a speeding ticket,” the lawyer told the court. “His father went into town on Saturday and here in our community he is willing to post bail if the court is inclined to grant such bail.”
“He wants to be treated fairly like everyone else, regardless of his status in the television industry,” he added.
Joseph Duggar was arrested in Arkansas on March 18. (Washington County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Amy Duggar King responded to her cousin’s arrest with harsh words.
“I am sickened, heartbroken, and very angry in light of the recent allegations involving my cousin Joseph Duggar. My first thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserves to be safe, protected, and surrounded by people he can trust,” King told Fox News Digital. “His courage to step forward, especially after carrying something so heavy for so many years, cannot be overstated. That courage deserves to be honored above all else.”
Amy Duggar King reacted to Joseph Duggar’s arrest. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for We TV)
King explained that he was “completely shocked to hear about these allegations and Joseph’s arrest.”
“At the same time, I am not surprised to see another alleged predator emerge from this toxic system. I have spoken for years about the importance of truth, accountability, and protecting children, even if it means going against my own family. Family ties should never equal automatic trust or access, especially when it comes to children’s safety,” King explained.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
