Has Josh Owens Ever Been Arrested? Here’s What to Know About the ‘Moonshiners’ Star.
Has Josh Owens Ever Been Arrested? The Truth About the ‘Moonshiners’ Star’s Wild Journey
Josh Owens, one of the most recognizable faces on Discovery’s hit show Moonshiners, has built a loyal following thanks to his rugged charm, daredevil past, and relentless pursuit of perfecting the age-old art of illegal distilling. But with so many risky moves and close brushes with disaster, many fans are left wondering: Has Josh Owens ever been arrested? And just how far does his moonshining mischief go?
Let’s dive deeper into Josh’s journey on the show, the challenges he’s faced, and whether or not the law has finally caught up with him.
Life on the Edge: Josh Owens’ Risky Moonshining Style
For over a decade, Moonshiners has captivated audiences with its raw, behind-the-scenes look at Appalachian backwoods distillers who defy federal liquor laws. But few cast members have walked as fine a line between legal and illegal as Josh Owens.
A former professional motocross racer, Josh brings a risk-taking attitude to everything he does—including moonshining. But that boldness comes at a cost. From choosing questionable distilling sites to accidentally setting fires, Josh’s journey has been packed with close calls, both legal and literal.
Season 10: Trouble with Property and the Law
In Moonshiners Season 10, fans noticed Josh’s absence during the early episodes. Naturally, speculation began swirling—had he been arrested? Did one of his risky setups finally catch the attention of the authorities?
When Josh eventually returned to the screen, the reason for his absence wasn’t jail time, but another self-inflicted complication. Desperate to find a new distilling location, Josh partnered with his friend Chris and set up shop in a building Chris claimed to own. But as fate would have it, Chris didn’t actually own the building—and when the real landlord found out, Josh found himself in a serious bind.
This wasn’t the first time Josh got burned by his choice of location, either. Over the seasons, he’s made a reputation for picking unsafe, questionable, or outright illegal spots to set up his stills. Whether it’s abandoned barns, trailers, or borrowed buildings, Josh seems to have a knack for inviting trouble.
Season 11: A Fire That Changed Everything
Josh’s bad luck continued into Season 11, and this time, things went from bad to catastrophic. In one of the most jaw-dropping moments of the series, Josh attempted to distill moonshine from maple sap—an unusual and risky move. The result? A massive fire that completely destroyed his home and endangered everything he had worked for.
The fire wasn’t just a storyline—it was a real disaster that affected Josh’s life off-screen as well. Sadly, this wasn’t his first brush with flames. Back in 2017, Josh returned from the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally only to find his trailer—and everything inside—engulfed in fire. It’s a dangerous pattern that has plagued much of his moonshining career.
Given these incidents, fans were quick to wonder if he had faced legal consequences. After all, distilling without a license is illegal in the United States, and starting accidental fires doesn’t typically go unnoticed.
Has Josh Owens Ever Been Arrested?
With a track record like Josh’s, it might be easy to assume that he’s spent some time behind bars. But surprisingly, there is no public record or confirmed evidence that Josh Owens has ever been arrested in connection with his moonshining activities—or for any other reason.
That’s not to say he hasn’t had brushes with the law. As fans of Moonshiners know, the entire cast operates in a legal gray area. While Discovery claims the show documents “what used to be illegal” or is staged “for entertainment,” real moonshiners like Popcorn Sutton faced federal sentencing, and castmate Tickle has been arrested multiple times.
Still, Josh has managed to stay under the radar. Despite the chaos he brings to the screen, he appears to have avoided any major legal trouble—at least so far.
A New Approach: Living Off the Grid in Season 12
In Season 12, Josh took things to the next level by moving his entire operation into the wilderness. Literally living off the grid, Josh now distills in the heart of the Appalachian backwoods, far away from prying eyes and potential informants. This new method not only makes him harder to find—it also gives him more creative freedom to experiment without fear of interruption.
Living in the wild seems to suit Josh. He’s continued sharing updates on social media, proving he’s still very much a free man and as determined as ever to keep the moonshining tradition alive.
What’s Next for Josh Owens?
Despite all the setbacks—fires, failed partnerships, and dangerous stunts—Josh Owens remains one of the most resilient figures in the world of underground distilling. His charisma, passion, and determination make him a fan favorite, even when things go terribly wrong.
His journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of moonshining. One wrong move can destroy months of work or even land you in jail. But Josh’s ability to rebound from disaster has kept him in the game—and on our screens.
Final Verdict
So, has Josh Owens ever been arrested? No—at least, not yet. But with a history of risky decisions, a fiery track record (literally), and a love for pushing boundaries, Josh will always be walking a dangerous line.
And that’s exactly what makes Moonshiners so addictively watchable.
