A judge in Independence County has set $1 million bonds for two individuals accused of abducting a 12-year-old girl from South Carolina who was recovered in Arkansas last week.
Circuit Judge Kimberly Edington ruled on Friday that Brandon and Sierra Britten, both arrested in connection to the case, would face $1 million bonds each. Formal charges have not yet been filed, according to Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens.
"The case will be presented to the prosecuting attorney’s office for formal charges to be filed," Stephens said in a statement. "Our department is continuing to work with our local FBI field office for the purpose of federal indictments."
The 12-year-old was reported missing near Woodruff, South Carolina, at approximately 5:47 p.m. on Tuesday, according to Spartanburg County Sheriff Bill Rhyne. Initial investigations suggested a possible runaway situation; however, evidence later indicated the child had been groomed through social media and abducted. Surveillance footage showed the child entering a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu near a local business around 4 p.m. that day.
Investigators identified the vehicle and its location using footage from business surveillance cameras and Flock Safety license plate-reading cameras. These resources placed the vehicle under investigation twice in Alabama, before locating the child safely in Independence County, Arkansas, on Wednesday afternoon.
Rhyne emphasized the importance of the Flock Safety cameras in their breakthrough. "Without this technology — let me make it very clear — we would be at a complete standstill," he said during a press briefing. "We were at a complete standstill. We worked tirelessly, but the cameras provided the key lead."
Once contacted by South Carolina authorities, Independence County deputies located and arrested Brandon and Sierra Britten. Sheriff Stephens confirmed that additional charges may also be filed in South Carolina and Arkansas. The two face charges including kidnapping.
Authorities transported the child to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County for medical and forensic evaluations. She remained at the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch before being reunited with her parents Thursday morning. Sheriff Stephens expressed gratitude to the teams involved in her care and recovery.
The investigation remains active, and law enforcement officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Investigator Brandon Letterman at bletterman@spartanburgcounty.gov.