Joseph Duggar Admitted to Sexual Abuse on Phone With Cops and Victim's Father's

Joseph Duggar admitted to sexually abusing a minor back in 2020 over the phone with the victim's father and a detective ... leading to his arrest last week., TMZ has learned

According to an affidavit, obtained by TMZ, Jane Doe told police the "19 Kids and Counting" star touched her inappropriately during a vacation to Florida, and a Deputy Sheriff "requested the detective and victim’s father call Joseph." The docs state they got Joseph on the phone, and he allegedly "admitted his actions, stating he touched the victim over her clothing" and also "admitted his intentions were not pure."

Joseph's alleged confession came after he had already confessed to the victim's dad over the phone on March 17, according to the docs.

As you know, he's facing 2 charges of lewd and lascivious behavior -- one for the molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and one for conduct committed by a person 18 years or older. He was arrested on March 18 and booked by the Washington County Sheriff's Office ... where he remains behind bars.

In a shocking twist, he was charged with reported separate crimes along with his wife, Kendra Duggar, on March 20 -- they were charged with 4 counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree and 4 counts of false imprisonment in the second degree following an investigation by the Tontitown Police Department.

Kendra was booked on March 20 but released the same day.

We spoke to Joseph's cousin Amy Duggar King following their arrests ... who said her heart stands with all the kids involved, and hopes justice is served.