Joseph Duggar is facing intense public scrutiny after Florida authorities accused the former reality TV personality of molesting a 9-year-old girl during a family vacation in 2020 — and now Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford is making it clear that Duggar’s celebrity status will not protect him.

“I don’t care if he’s got a TV show, or who he is,” Sheriff Ford said while speaking to local media after the arrest. “He’s committed an illegal act and he’s going to be held accountable for that.”

The allegations against Joseph stem from an incident investigators say happened during a vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida. According to authorities, the alleged victim — now 14 years old — recently participated in a forensic interview detailing what she says happened during the trip.

Investigators claim Joseph asked the young girl to sit on his lap before later covering them with a blanket while sitting together on a couch. Authorities allege he then touched the child inappropriately multiple times before eventually apologizing, after which the alleged incidents reportedly stopped.

According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the girl’s father later confronted Duggar about the accusations on March 17, and officials claim Joseph admitted to the inappropriate conduct during the conversation.

Joseph Duggar was arrested in Arkansas, where he currently lives with wife Kendra Duggar and their children. During a court appearance conducted over Zoom, he waived his extradition hearing, clearing the way for authorities to transport him back to Florida to face charges.

The former 19 Kids and Counting star is currently charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 and lewd behavior conducted by an adult.

Authorities have also suggested additional charges could still be possible, as investigators in Arkansas reportedly continue examining other aspects of the case.

The arrest has reignited controversy surrounding the Duggar family, whose carefully managed public image has repeatedly been overshadowed by criminal allegations involving family members over the years. Joseph’s older brother, Josh Duggar, is currently serving a federal prison sentence connected to child sexual abuse material convictions and previous molestation allegations involving several girls, including family members.

As public attention grows around the latest case, officials insist Joseph Duggar will be treated like any other criminal defendant despite his television fame and public profile.