By Alex Johnson | Tuesday, 31 March 2026 11:09 AM EDT
Kendra Duggar and her husband, Joseph Duggar, known for TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting,” are both facing charges in Arkansas. In a recorded jail call, Kendra stated she had hired Travis Story as her attorney, clarifying that the lawyer was not representing her husband.
“I’ve got him as my attorney right now,” Kendra said. She later added, “Well, it’s not for you—it’s only for me.”
Travis Story previously represented Joseph Duggar’s brother, Josh Duggar, in a 2021 child pornography case.
Kendra Duggar was released from an Arkansas prison on March 20 after being charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment. Joseph Duggar faces similar misdemeanor charges in Arkansas, along with a separate Florida charge of lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor tied to an alleged 2020 incident.
During their conversation, Joseph Duggar appeared to accept his wife’s update without much reaction. He stated, “I wasn’t sure who we settled with, but this guy’s good,” before replying, “OK,” after she clarified the attorney was not representing him.
The couple, married for eight years and parents of four children, also discussed Joseph Duggar’s detention conditions during the call. He described being held in solitary confinement: “I’m in the cell 23 hours a day. It’s like an 8-by-10 area,” he said. “I’ve been able to read a lot and rest some, but I’m not sleeping great through the night.” He added that he was spending time reading the Bible.
Joseph Duggar was arrested in Arkansas on March 18, two days before Kendra’s arrest. He had been awaiting extradition to Florida but was no longer in Washington County custody as of March 27.
Joseph Duggar’s parents, Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar, described themselves as “heartbroken” over the allegations. A family spokesperson said, “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”
Florida police reported that the victim described an alleged pattern of abuse in a forensic interview. The victim stated Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap, later requested she sit next to him on a couch covered with a blanket, and manipulated the victim’s underwear while grazing her genitals. Duggar also rubbed his hands on her thighs during these incidents.
According to Florida authorities, Joseph Duggar eventually apologized for his actions, and the incidents stopped after the apology.
