James Dougherty, a familiar face from The Dougherty Dozen, recently took an unexpected turn in his college journey just before his arrest on charges of public lewdness.
As reported, the second oldest child of Alicia and Josh Dougherty was chasing his dream of becoming a culinary artist, according to his mother’s comments to People in August 2025, after he had finished a two-year program.
However, just a few months later, a surprising update was shared.
“James has decided he wants to switch majors at college from Culinary Arts to IT,” Alicia wrote on Instagram in December. “He really is quite gifted in anything technologically related.”
By the date of his arrest on July 29, James, who had become part of the Dougherty family when he was just six, seemed to be navigating a new chapter in his life.
Authorities described James as “homeless” upon apprehending him at Eastview Mall in Victor, New York. The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office stated that he was discovered engaging in lewd behavior in his car in plain sight, according to a press release provided to People.
The 19-year-old was taken into custody, issued an appearance ticket and released. He is expected to return to Victor Town Court to face the charge against him at a later date.
While the family did not return a request for comment from Oxygen at the time, James’ older brother Alex Dougherty spoke out.
“Guys, I support James, okay guys? And I’m here for him and everything like that,” Alex said during a livestream on his Kick channel, obtained by People. “So, end of discussion.”
Who Are the Dougherty Dozen?
Alicia and her family have racked up over 10 million followers across their various social media channels by highlighting their life as a large family.
Their 11 children—some biological and others through foster care, adoption, or kinship placement—range in age from 8 to 20. Six of their children have fetal alcohol syndrome, the couple have revealed in the past.
Their popular content offers glimpses into their massive grocery hauls, meal prep routines and fun family traditions.
“It’s not always easy,” the couple wrote in a 2025 Facebook post to celebrate National Adoption Day, “but it’s always worth it.”