In a recent incident that has drawn public attention, Alex Dougherty, a member of the viral family known as the Dougherty Dozen, has spoken out regarding the arrest of his younger brother, James. This event unfolded last week in Victor, New York, where James was taken into custody on charges of public lewdness after being found in an embarrassing situation in his car in a mall parking lot.
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On July 31, during a live-streamed session on the platform Kick, Alex addressed questions and comments from viewers about the incident surrounding his brother. While enjoying a slice of pizza at Giordano’s Pizza in Chicago, Alex expressed his unwavering support for James. “Guys, I support James, okay? And, I’m here for him and everything like that. So, end of discussion,” he stated, attempting to reassure fans worried about his brother’s well-being.
According to a press release issued by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department, the situation leading to James’s arrest occurred around 3:32 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. Authorities reported that James was caught engaging in lewd behaviour, specifically masturbating in his car while parked at the Eastview Mall, in a location that was visible to the public. After being apprehended, he was issued an appearance ticket and is expected to appear in Victor Town Court in the foreseeable future.
It was noteworthy that during his live stream, Alex had taken measures to limit comments involving James’s name, suggesting a desire to control the narrative surrounding his brother’s arrest. His remarks reflected a protective stance, aiming to quash speculation and potential backlash from online viewers.
The Dougherty family, which has amassed a following of 1.64 million subscribers on their YouTube channel, is well-known for sharing insights into their lives as a large family comprising 13 members. Although branded as the Dougherty Dozen, they embraced this name before the adoption of their son, Dayshawn. The family dynamics and journey have captivated audiences, revealing the challenges and joys of parenting a diverse household.
Parents Alicia and Josh Dougherty initially faced difficulties with infertility and pregnancy loss, leading them to explore foster care and adoption options. Their journey began in 2003 after they married, both pursuing teaching degrees. In a reflective post from 2025, the couple outlined how their family evolved, starting with the adoption of their son Alex in 2011. This adoption followed years of personal struggles related to fertility.
Shortly after Alex’s adoption, the couple experienced the joyous news of Alicia’s pregnancy with their daughter Zoey, who is now 14. The adoption of James followed shortly after, when he was six years old, coinciding with Alicia’s pregnancy with their son Dash, who is now 12. The family continued to grow, eventually adopting twins Jason and Jordan and welcoming several biological and adopted children, including Bodhi in 2016 and Harlee Quinton in 2018.
In addition to the complexities of adoption, the couple embraced the opportunity for kinship placement of Dayshawn in 2022, thus solidifying their role as a family that has continually sought to provide a loving home for children in need.
As events unfold with James, the Dougherty family remains a subject of public fascination, offering a lens into the realities of raising a large family while navigating personal challenges. While Alex has spoken out in support of his brother, it remains to be seen how James will cope with the legal implications stemming from this incident. The family continues to maintain an open dialogue with their followers, providing updates as the situation develops, further illustrating the unique intersection of personal life and public scrutiny that comes with their internet fame.
As the world watches, the Dougherty Dozen exemplifies both the complexities of modern parenting and the resilience required to support one another through challenging circumstances. They are a reminder of the multifaceted nature of family life, especially under the scrutiny of public attention.