Share and Follow
News Update
Jim Bob Duggar recently traveled to Panama City, Florida, to secure the release of his son, Joseph Duggar, from jail. Although Joseph is expected to return to Florida by April 20, he has already been seen making his way back to Arkansas.
Joseph Duggar has been released on bail following his arrest on charges of child molestation in Tontitown, Arkansas. The allegations led to his extradition to Florida, where the incident reportedly took place. After appearing before a judge in Florida, Joseph was granted bail, which was promptly settled by his father, Jim Bob Duggar. Joseph’s release was swift, occurring just hours after his arrival in Florida, and he has since been seen in public.
Joseph Duggar spotted at a Florida airport after making bail
Though Joseph Duggar is temporarily free, he is subject to specific conditions while he awaits trial. The accusations of lewd and lascivious conduct could result in severe penalties, but the former reality TV personality has been permitted to reside at home for now. On March 31, Joseph faced Judge Tracy Smith shortly after reaching the state. His legal team successfully argued for bail by emphasizing his status as a first-time offender, which the judge subsequently approved.
There wasn’t much of a delay in processing the alleged sexual predator, either. Jim Bob Duggar, who was on hand at the hearing, posted bail quickly, and his son was released from lockup that same afternoon. While some critics assumed Joseph might stay in Florida to await his next court date, he was spotted at an area airport, set to fly. A Reddit user posted photos of the pair set to fly. In the photos, taken around 3 pm on March 31, Jim Bob and Joseph Duggar are seen getting ready to board a flight while holding food at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, a busy airport in Panama City, Florida.
It appears the father-son duo made quick work of leaving Florida. While it’s unclear exactly where they were headed, it is presumed they were returning to Tontitown, Arkansas. As a stipulation of his release, he has agreed to stay away from his unnamed victim. He also ordered not to have any unsupervised contact with minors. While the Duggars generally fly their own planes, it looks like they went the commercial route for their return home.
Where are Joe and Kendra’s kids?
While Joseph Duggar will need to be back in Florida on April 20 for a hearing, he also has an additional matter in Arkansas to address. He and his wife were both charged with endangering the welfare of a child and false imprisonment. While the charges are unrelated to his Florida crimes, they have reportedly led to the four children the couple shares being removed from the home.
Official court documents stated that Kendra Caldwell is not to have contact with her unnamed victims until at least April 29. She returns to court on that date. While several outlets suggested she was still caring for her children, jailhouse calls between Joe and Kendra make it clear that the children are not with her. In one call, she reveals she’s “heard” they are doing well. It is unclear who is currently caring for them. Kendra has been moved from her home and is staying with someone in a private location. She and Joe were careful not to reveal where she had been moved to in the recorded calls. It is unclear whether they’ll return home together.
This is a developing story.