“My family is facing a difficult and urgent situation. We are in need to cover displacement expenses. [We] will not be using these funds for [our] legal expenses,” says a description on the GoFundMe. “Thank you all so much for your care, concern, prayers and donation during this difficult time. Thank you even if it’s just prayer. Your support means the world to us as we work to rebuild and find safety.”
Elsewhere on the page, Paul Caldwell wrote, “The displacement fees will be for moving expenses, housing costs such as rent until we can find a place to stay more permanently.” The GoFundMe has currently raised $33,460 of its $35,000 goal.
Paul and Christina Caldwell Ask for Privacy
Joseph Duggar, who shares four children with his wife, Kendra, was arrested March 18 and charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in Panama City, Florida, said in a statement that Joseph’s alleged abuse occurred during a 2020 family vacation when the alleged victim was 9. According to authorities, Joseph admitted to the actions prior to his arrest after being confronted by the girl’s father.
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Days later, Kendra was arrested, and she and her husband each received eight charges related to child endangerment and false imprisonment. Those charges were unrelated to the ones Joseph faces in Florida. Kendra posted a bond of $1,470 and, according to People magazine, is staying at an undisclosed location.
Joseph Duggar was extradited to Florida but returned to Arkansas after posting a $600,000 bond. The couple is set to next appear in court on April 29 for their child endangerment charges. Joseph’s trial proceedings in Florida are expected to continue with a hearing on May 18.
“We pray all victims of crimes can be as courageous as this young girl is,” said Paul and Christina Caldwell in their statement, referring to the alleged victim. “They should be able to share their story, to trust in the judicial process, and to do so without fear of retaliation. You are not alone.”
“At the same time, we also recognize how traumatic this incident has been for our grandchildren as well and continue to pray for their strength,” the Caldwells continued. “Our love for them, and our daughter Kendra, remains.”
