Alex Dougherty of the Dougherty Dozen is addressing the public following the arrest of his brother, James Dougherty, on a public lewdness charge.
According to TMZ, Alex posted on social media to stand by his brother and reassure followers of the TikTok-famous family that James is doing all right in the wake of the arrest.
Alex also indicated that he does not intend to say anything more about the matter.
James Dougherty Arrested for Public Lewdness at New York Mall
James, 19, was arrested at approximately 3:32 p.m. on July 29 at Eastview Mall in Victor, New York, according to a press release from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department obtained by People.
“Through investigation,” authorities wrote, “it was determined that Mr. Dougherty was found masturbating in his vehicle in the parking lot at the Eastview in view of the public.”
James, who listed his address as homeless, was taken into custody before being issued an appearance ticket and released. He is scheduled to appear in Victor Town Court at a later date to answer to the charge.
Oxygen contacted both the sheriff’s office and the Dougherty family for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Dougherty Dozen YouTube Channel Shares Family Life
The Dougherty Dozen, led by parents Alicia Dougherty and Josh Dougherty, has built a large online following, with 1.64 million subscribers on its YouTube channel and 7.8 million followers on TikTok. The family’s videos, centered on their ever-changing household of 13, often feature large grocery hauls and everyday moments from their family life.
Alicia and Josh—who met in college—struggled with fertility and decided to turn to foster care and adoption, before ultimately welcoming biological children of their own.
“It’s not always easy,” the family wrote in a 2025 Facebook post, “but it’s always worth it.”
Today, their large family is a blend of four biological children and seven adopted children.
James was adopted into the family when he was 6 years old.
In 2025, People reported that James—the second oldest sibling—had completed a two-year program in the culinary arts.
“That was his dream,” Alicia said at the time. “And he’s doing it.”
