Joseph Duggar’s in-laws set for questioning in molestation case
Kendra Duggar’s parents are scheduled to give sworn testimony as Joseph Duggar fights criminal charges tied to allegations involving a child.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Kendra Duggar’s parents have been drawn into Joseph Duggar’s criminal case, with defense lawyers scheduled to question them under oath in September, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ.
The documents say Paul and Christina Caldwell are set to be deposed on September 14 at the State Attorney’s Office in Panama City, Florida. TMZ reported that the testimony is being gathered as part of discovery and could also be used at trial.
The U.S. Sun first reported the development.
According to the same court notice cited by TMZ, investigator Darrell “Chase” Norris is also due to be questioned. A man identified as Thomas Lowe is scheduled for questioning later that afternoon.
The Caldwells enter the case
Paul and Christina Caldwell are the parents of Kendra Duggar, who married Joseph in 2017. TMZ reported that the Caldwells had previously been close with the Duggar family, but that the relationship has reportedly broken down during Joseph’s legal case.
TMZ previously reported that Kendra allegedly stopped speaking with her parents after Joseph’s arrest. The outlet also reported that the Caldwells moved out of their home and considered leaving the state.
The Caldwells have previously said they were “troubled and heartbroken” by the allegations and supported the alleged victim, according to TMZ.
The allegations against Joseph Duggar
Joseph, a former “19 Kids and Counting” cast member, was arrested in March in connection with allegations that he molested a girl during a 2020 family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, when she was 9 years old, TMZ previously reported.
Police have said the girl told investigators about the alleged abuse. TMZ also reported that police said Joseph later admitted his actions to the girl’s father.
Joseph has pleaded not guilty. He was released on $600,000 bond, according to TMZ.
As part of the case, a judge has barred Joseph from having unsupervised contact with minors. TMZ reported that the restriction includes the four children he shares with Kendra.
The scheduled depositions do not indicate what Paul and Christina Caldwell, Norris or Lowe may say under oath. The legal notice only states that their testimony is being sought for discovery and possible use at trial, according to TMZ.
The case remains active as Joseph’s defense continues gathering testimony ahead of trial.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.