Kendra Duggar has retained separate legal counsel as she and her husband Joseph Duggar navigate serious criminal charges, according to a recorded jail phone conversation obtained by media outlets on Monday, March 30.
During the call, Kendra informed Joseph that she had hired attorney Travis Story to represent her individually, not as a couple. Story previously represented Joseph's brother Josh Duggar in federal child pornography proceedings and has worked with the Duggar family patriarch Jim Bob Duggar.
"I've been talking to Travis. I've got him as my attorney now," Kendra stated during the conversation. "I wasn't sure if you knew that. I've asked him to be my attorney."
When Joseph initially responded positively about the attorney selection, assuming Story would represent them both, Kendra clarified the arrangement. "Well, it's not for you, it's only for me," she explained, noting she needed representation "for the case we've got going with the kids and stuff."
The couple faces distinct legal challenges. Joseph was arrested on March 18 by the Tontitown Police Department in Arkansas on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.
The allegations stem from a 2020 family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida. A 14-year-old girl reported that Joseph sexually abused her when she was 9 years old during the trip. According to Bay City police, the victim stated that Joseph repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap and later manipulated her underwear and touched her inappropriately while they sat together under a blanket on a couch.
The victim reported that the incidents eventually ceased and Joseph apologized. Prior to his arrest, the victim's father confronted Joseph by phone. Joseph allegedly admitted his actions both to the father and to Tontitown detectives during their investigation.
Following Joseph's arrest, Kendra was also taken into custody on unrelated charges. Both were subsequently charged with four counts of second degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second degree false imprisonment. The couple, who married in 2017, have four children: Garrett, 7, Addison, 6, Brooklyn, 5, and Justus, 3.
Kendra was released after posting bond of $1,470. A spokesperson confirmed her charges were misdemeanor offenses completely separate from the Florida case against Joseph.
Joseph was transferred from the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Friday, March 27, after being held for nine days while awaiting extradition to Florida. His current location remains unknown.
The decision by Kendra to retain separate legal representation underscores the complexity of the legal situations both she and Joseph face. Legal experts often advise individuals facing criminal charges to secure independent counsel, particularly when spouses are charged separately or when their legal interests may diverge.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.