Joseph Duggar’s accuser says he began grooming her when she was nine before abuse

Joseph Duggar is being accused of grooming a minor prior to alleged sexual abuse, according to a newly surfaced affidavit that provides detailed insight into the allegations against him.

As reported by People, the girl, now 14, told investigators that Duggar began establishing inappropriate physical closeness with her during a 2020 family trip to Panama City Beach, Florida, when she was just 9 years old.

According to the affidavit, the victim said Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap and encouraged ongoing physical contact. Investigators say this pattern of behavior is being described as grooming, gradually escalating over time.

The girl said that the situation progressed to inappropriate touching while the two were sitting under a blanket on a couch. She told authorities she felt “uncomfortable and confused” during these encounters.

The affidavit states that the alleged incidents stopped after Duggar apologised to her during the same trip. The allegations were later disclosed in a forensic interview, which led to a formal investigation.

Duggar was arrested on March 18, 2026, and is currently being held as he awaits extradition to Florida. He faces two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a minor under the age of 12.

In a separate affidavit cited by People, Duggar allegedly admitted to touching the child and told authorities his “intentions were not pure.”

The case is ongoing, and no court ruling has been made.