Authorities in Independence County safely recovered a missing South Carolina child on Wednesday and arrested two suspects linked to the case. The Independence County Sheriff’s Office said the child was located within 15 minutes of receiving a tip from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a statement from the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, they were contacted at approximately 3 p.m. on Sept. 9 by Spartanburg authorities, who suspected that the child was in northern Independence County. Investigators quickly identified a possible location and arrived by 3:15 p.m., where they encountered and detained Brandon Lee Britten, 31, and Sierra Dawn Britten, 28.
The juvenile was taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County for a forensic interview, medical assessment, and other resources before being temporarily placed at the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch. On the morning of Sept. 10, the child was reunited with her parents, who traveled from South Carolina.
In a probable cause hearing held on Friday, Circuit Judge Kimberly Edington set bond at $1 million for each of the two suspects. The sheriff’s office noted that evidence and additional information were collected through a search warrant executed at the location where the child was found. The investigation is ongoing and involves federal partners.
Sheriff Shawn Stephens expressed gratitude to local organizations assisting in the case. “The Independence County Sheriff’s Office would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the staff at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County and the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch for their prompt response and willingness to assist,” Stephens said in a statement.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the case remains active as investigators continue their efforts in collaboration with federal authorities.