Joseph Duggar References Brother Josh’s ‘Hard Time’ in Newly Released Booking Video Following Sexual Assault Arrest

Joseph Duggar references brother Josh's "hard time" in a booking video following his arrest for the alleged 2020 sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 6:30 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Entertainment Weekly

Booking Footage Reveals Exchange Regarding Prior Incarceration

Newly released bodycam and surveillance footage from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office captured the moment Joseph Duggar was processed following his arrest earlier this week. In the video, a detention officer asks Duggar if he has ever been in a correctional facility before. Duggar is seen shaking his head and responding, "Not on this side," before clarifying that his older brother, Josh, has done "hard time." The exchange has drawn significant public attention as the Duggar family faces its second high-profile legal crisis involving allegations of sexual misconduct.

Details of the 2020 Florida Allegations

The arrest follows an investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, which was initiated after a 14-year-old victim came forward to authorities in Tontitown, Arkansas. The victim alleged that during a 2020 family vacation in Panama City Beach, Joseph Duggar repeatedly engaged in lewd and lascivious behavior. According to the official statement, Duggar allegedly manipulated the victim’s clothing and touched her inappropriately while they were sitting together under a blanket. The victim's father reportedly confronted Duggar about these past incidents on March 17, 2026, just one day before the police were notified.

Legal Charges and Extradition Proceedings

Joseph Duggar has been formally charged with lewd and lascivious behavior by a person 18 years or older, a felony offense in the state of Florida. Following his arrest in Arkansas, the father of four appeared in court where he waived his right to an extradition hearing. This decision clears the way for his imminent transfer to Bay County, Florida, where he will remain in custody pending a bond hearing and trial. Legal experts note that the waiver often suggests a desire to expedite the legal process or a lack of grounds to challenge the jurisdictional transfer.