Joseph Duggar Receives Letter of Support from Brother-in-Law While in Jail

Austin Forsyth tells Joseph he is 'praising God' for growing closer to him and his wife Joy-Anna in the past year and a half.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of metal handcuffs against a stark black background, creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct flash lighting.The arrest of Joseph Duggar has exposed deep divisions within his famous family, as some offer support while others condemn his alleged actions.Washington Today

Joseph Duggar, who was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a 9-year-old girl, received an email of support from his brother-in-law Austin Forsyth while in custody at the Washington County Detention Facility in Arkansas. In the email, Austin told Joseph that he and his wife Joy-Anna have grown closer to Joseph and his wife Kendra in the past year and a half, and that they will be helping Kendra. Joy-Anna had previously released a statement condemning Joseph's actions.

Why it matters

The Duggar family has faced significant public scrutiny over the years due to various scandals and controversies. This latest incident involving Joseph Duggar has further strained the family's reputation, and the support from a family member like Austin Forsyth highlights the complex dynamics within the family as they navigate this difficult situation.

The details

Joseph Duggar, 31, was arrested on March 18 on two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior in connection with accusations that he sexually assaulted a 9-year-old girl in Florida in 2020. While in custody at the Washington County Detention Facility in Arkansas, Duggar received an email of support from his brother-in-law Austin Forsyth, the husband of his sister Joy-Anna. In the email, Austin told Joseph that he and Joy-Anna 'started getting closer' to Joseph and his wife Kendra in the last year and a half, and that they 'will, and are helping her.' Joseph responded to the email the following day, thanking Austin for his 'support of Kendra' and saying it 'means the world' to have family members like Austin by his side.

  • Joseph Duggar was arrested on March 18, 2026.
  • Austin Forsyth sent the email to Joseph on March 25, 2026.
  • Joseph responded to the email the following day on March 26, 2026.

The players

Joseph Duggar

A 31-year-old member of the Duggar family who was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a 9-year-old girl.

Austin Forsyth

The husband of Joseph's sister Joy-Anna, who wrote a letter of support to Joseph while he was in custody.

Joy-Anna Forsyth

Joseph's sister, who released a statement condemning his actions and offering sympathy to the alleged victim and her family.

Kendra Duggar

Joseph's wife, whom Austin Forsyth said he and Joy-Anna will be helping during this time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I want you to know that I love you! Jesus loves you, and continues to draw you closer to Him.”

— Austin Forsyth, Joseph Duggar's Brother-in-Law

“My heart is with the victim, and I am grieved by the pain and harm caused. I have been a wreck this week and am taking time to process.”

— Joy-Anna Forsyth

What’s next

Joseph Duggar is due back in court in May for his arraignment, where he is expected to be formally charged with lewd and lascivious behavior committed by an individual over the age of 18 and lewd and lascivious behavior molestation of a minor under the age of 12.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex family dynamics and public scrutiny the Duggar family continues to face, as they navigate the fallout from Joseph Duggar's alleged actions. The support from his brother-in-law Austin Forsyth, as well as the condemnation from his sister Joy-Anna, underscores the divided reactions within the family.