Full Breakdown
Joseph Duggar Seeks Subpoena to Question Investigators in Child Molestation Case
5/5/2026, 8:54:44 PM
Subpoena Request and Charges
On May 1, 2024, Joseph Duggar (31) filed a motion in a Florida circuit court seeking a subpoena to compel the Department of Children & Families, Big Ben, Child Protection Team to release interview records and testimony from officials who questioned the alleged victim, now 14, about abuse alleged to have occurred in 2020 when she was nine. Duggar faces two Florida charges of lewd and lascivious behavior—one involving a minor under 12 and one by an adult—and, after his March 19 arrest in Arkansas, he and his wife Kendra (27) each face four Arkansas counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment. He posted a $600,000 bond and was released on March 31.
Timeline
- March 19, 2024 – Arrest in Arkansas; Florida lewd-behavior charges filed.
- March 31, 2024 – Released on $600,000 bond; reunited with Kendra.
- April 1-2, 2024 – Arkansas endangerment and false-imprisonment charges filed against both spouses.
- May 1, 2024 – Motion filed for subpoena.
- May ? 2024 – Court to rule on subpoena (pending).
Parties Involved
The case involves Joseph Duggar, his wife Kendra Duggar, the unnamed alleged victim (now 14), Duggar’s parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, the victim’s family (the Caldwells), the Florida Department of Children & Families/Big Ben/Child Protection Team, the Arkansas Tontitown Police Department, and the Florida circuit court.
Official Statements & Responses
A Duggar family spokesperson said Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are heartbroken and are focusing on supporting Kendra and their grandchildren while praying for the victim. The Caldwell family described the girl as courageous and pledged ongoing support. A source close to the victim said she feels safe and does not want to hide.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Defendant is entitled to discovery of the witness testimony, including records and evidence in the possession of the witnesses for a fair determination of the Defendant’s guilt or innocence at trial,” — Joseph Duggar’s legal filing
- “several instances of sexual abuse” — Alleged victim, as reported in forensic interview with Tontitown Police Department
- “Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” — Duggar family spokesperson
- “We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will,” — Caldwell family
Upcoming Proceedings
The Florida court’s ruling on the subpoena will determine whether Duggar’s defense can examine the investigative interview and related records. If granted, the material could shape pre-trial motions and affect the scheduling of a potential jury trial. Both the Florida molestation case and the Arkansas endangerment case remain pending, with further hearings expected.
