Josh Duggar Faces Severe Commissary Limit After Prison Prank Gone Wrong
Josh Duggar, once known as the clean-cut eldest son of the 19 Kids and Counting family, is now serving a 12.5-year sentence at FCI Seagoville in Texas. Since his 2022 conviction on federal child pornography charges, sources say Duggar has kept a low profile behind bars, reportedly struggling to adjust to life in a facility known for its strict routines and overcrowding. Inmates at Seagoville live under tight surveillance, with limited privileges and basic accommodations. Now, a source says that Duggar faces extreme commissary limits after a prison prank went wrong. Here’s what to know.
Josh Duggar and the other inmates at FCI Seagoville allegedly had their commissary money slashed
Life behind bars at FCI Seagoville is a far cry from the Duggar family’s sprawling Arkansas home. Josh Duggar can purchase a range of basic items from the prison store — far from the home-cooked meals and pantry-stocked comforts he once enjoyed. Popular inmate purchases include instant ramen, peanut butter, tuna pouches, and bags of chips, along with hygiene essentials like bar soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. Sweet treats such as candy bars, snack cakes, and instant coffee packets also make the list. Each purchase is logged through a digital system tied to an inmate’s trust account, typically funded by family or friends.
Unfortunately, the inmates allegedly had their commissary allowances slashed following an incident.
“One of the inmates played a prank on a guard,” a source told The U.S. Sun. “Now, everyone is on a $25 commissary limit. They usually have a $360 limit a month.”
Another insider said the prank involved a guard getting severely burned after a prisoner created a mix of urine and chemicals. The solution was likely created with items from the commissary. The prison allegedly doesn’t want the prisoners to have enough money to buy the substances used, and they’re also trying to figure out what the solution is made of.
“They have $360 they can spend a month,” the second source continued. “They shop every other week. Half the institution got the restriction during the investigation. It’s only fair to have the other half miss out.”
Thankfully, the restriction appears to be temporary. “It’s considered a privilege,” the source continued. “The prison wants them to spend because the money generates items for them. They don’t want to restrict it because it benefits everyone.”
A source previously said that FCI Seagoville inmates received half portions of food
In December 2024, a source told The U.S. Sun that Josh Duggar and other inmates at FCI Seagoville had to purchase extra food from the commissary due to their food portions getting cut.
“They’ve been getting half portions of food for months,” a source close to an inmate told the publication. “Grits, tiny portions of corn, half rolls, a couple ounces of deli meat; they’re serving them these crazy portions. People are having to buy food from the commissary or go hungry, it’s wild. Complaints from loved ones have gone nowhere.”
Seagoville argued this following the insider’s allegations. “FCI Seagoville provides all Adults in Custody with food that is consistent with the National Food Menu to include portion size,” they responded to the publication. “We take all complaints about the institution and services provided very seriously, and all complaints are fully investigated.”
Josh Duggar appears to receive special items from outside the prison walls
While Josh Duggar likely uses the prison commissary to make purchases, he also receives goods from outside the institution. Photos from November 2024 show Duggar wearing sunglasses and Under Armour sneakers. A source told The U.S. Sun that “inmates could make special orders for sunglasses or sneakers from specific vendors,” which is likely how he obtained them.
Beverly Hills attorney Adam Michael Sacks warned the publication that Duggar’s “luxuries,” like sunglasses, may put a target on his back. “Wearing sneakers and sunglasses is putting yourself in danger because other inmates would want to steal it from you,” Sacks explained. “You need to be aware of that kind of stuff.”
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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