The Duggar family scandal continues to deepen. Kendra Duggar, wife of disgraced 19 Kids and Counting star Joseph Duggar, is currently living without her four children after signing a court-ordered no contact agreement — and leaked jail phone calls are revealing just how much the couple’s world has collapsed around them.
How It All Unfolded
Joseph Duggar, 31, was arrested on March 18 after a 14-year-old girl came forward alleging he molested her during a 2020 family vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida, when she was just nine years old. Authorities say he admitted his actions.
Two days later, Kendra, 27, was arrested and charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment — charges believed to be connected to the discovery of locks installed on the outside of their children’s bedroom doors during a police search of the family home.
Kendra Duggar.
Credit: Washington County Sheriff’s Department
Kendra Does Not Have Her Children
According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Kendra signed a no contact order meaning she is not able to be in touch with her children until her April 29 court date. She has since been staying at a private, undisclosed location.
During a recorded jail call with Joseph shortly after her release, Kendra made clear where her head is at — getting her children back is her number one priority.
Joseph and Kendra Duggar.
Credit: Washington County Sheriff’s Office (2)
The Jail Calls
In a recording of the March 20 jail phone call published by People, Kendra told Joseph she had hired attorney Travis Story — the same lawyer who represented Joseph’s brother Josh Duggar in his 2021 child pornography trial. When Joseph commented about not knowing which attorney “we settled with,” Kendra quickly set the record straight. “Well, it’s not for you, it’s only for me,” she said.
During the same call, Joseph described being held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day in an 8-by-10 cell, telling his wife he had been spending most of his time reading the Bible.
Notably, Joseph did not ask about Kendra or their four children at any point during the call — something that sparked significant reaction online. “He never asked how she and the kids were doing,” one user wrote. “He’s more worried about himself than about his children,” said another.
Joseph Pleads Not Guilty
Joseph made a virtual court appearance in Florida on March 31, pleading not guilty to lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor. His bond was set at $600,000, with a judge barring him from contact with his alleged victim and any minors upon release.
The Family Reacts
In a phone call recorded by TMZ, Kendra told Joseph that his family still loves him even though they are disappointed. “Just know that everybody loves you — even if they’re disappointed,” she said. “Just understand that they love you, too.”
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar broke their silence in a statement saying they are “heartbroken over this entire situation” and are focused on “helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time.”
What Happens Next
Kendra is due in court on April 29. Joseph remains in Florida custody awaiting trial. Four young children are caught in the middle — and a family once celebrated on national television is now facing consequences that no reality show could have scripted.
