INDEPENDENCE COUNTY, Ark. — Authorities in Independence County arrested a man and woman in connection with the abduction and alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old child brought from South Carolina.
According to a probable cause affidavit by Lt. Zach Rawlins of the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, 30-year-old Brandon Lee Britten is accused of raping the child, while 27-year-old Sierra Dawn Britten faces charges of aiding in the crime. The Independence County Sheriff’s Office set bond for both defendants at $1 million each.
The investigation began on September 9 when the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina notified Independence County officials about the abduction. The child, reported missing the previous afternoon, was last seen leaving South Carolina in a black Chevrolet Malibu with Arkansas plates registered to Brandon Britten, according to authorities.
Deputies responded to Britten’s home in Independence County, where they located the vehicle. After prolonged attempts to get someone to answer the door, Brandon and Sierra Britten exited the residence. They admitted the child was inside the home, the affidavit states.
Deputies detained Brandon Britten while Sierra Britten allegedly returned inside and tried to block Lt. Rawlins from gaining access. Rawlins later located the child in a bathroom, reportedly shaking with their face and hands against the wall. After identifying himself, Rawlins said the child thanked him for helping them.
The child was taken to the Child Safety Center for a forensic interview and medical evaluation. During the interview, the child reported meeting the Brittens online, believing they were entering a relationship with a 15-year-old boy while being told Sierra Britten would pose as his roommate.
The affidavit alleges that Brandon Britten raped the child after arriving at the residence. Investigators reportedly recovered physical evidence from the home and through medical examination that corroborated the child’s account.
Authorities state that Sierra Britten, in a subsequent interview on September 10, confirmed she and Brandon Britten had been communicating with the child for about a month. While initially claiming to believe the child was 18 years old, Sierra Britten later admitted she thought the child was 14. Officials allege that she also acknowledged facilitating sexually explicit communications between Brandon Britten and the victim, including image sharing and video calls.
Further, the affidavit cites Sierra Britten’s statements that she coordinated the pickup from South Carolina to align with her work schedule, allowing Brandon Britten access to the car. She also reportedly admitted to being aware of what transpired after the child arrived at their home.
Brandon Britten faces charges of rape and internet stalking of a child, both Class Y felonies, as well as traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor, a Class B felony. Sierra Britten is charged as an accomplice to all three offenses.
Authorities emphasize that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.