An Independence County couple accused of abducting a 12-year-old girl from South Carolina now face multiple felony charges, including internet stalking and rape, according to court records and law enforcement officials.
On Tuesday, a judge determined there was probable cause to charge Brandon Lee Britten and Sierra Dawn Britten with traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor and internet stalking of a child. Both of these offenses are classified as Class B felonies. In addition, Brandon Britten faces a Class Y felony rape charge, while Sierra Britten is charged with being an accomplice to rape, also a Class Y felony.
Court documents allege that the couple had been in contact with the victim, a 12-year-old Spartanburg, South Carolina girl, for about a month prior to her disappearance. Investigators say the Brittens communicated with the girl through video chats and exchanged explicit images.
On Sept. 8, the couple allegedly drove to South Carolina, abducted the child, and brought her to their Independence County home. Using license plate tracking technology, including Flock cameras, investigators traced the couple’s black Chevy Malibu to Arkansas. The next day, deputies from the Independence County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence, where the child was ultimately recovered.
Lt. Zach Rawlins of the Independence County Sheriff’s Office recounted the events in an affidavit. When deputies arrived, the couple initially admitted the child was inside. While Brandon Britten was taken into custody, Sierra Britten reportedly refused to identify herself, retreated into the home, and attempted to block Rawlins from reaching the child.
“In pursuit of her into the home, I found her blocking my way, trying to keep me from locating the 12-year-old,” Rawlins stated. “Sierra, actively resisting, had to be physically removed from the home so the minor could be located.”
Rawlins located the child in a back bathroom. According to the affidavit, the child appeared visibly shaken, standing with her face and hands against the wall. After being informed of their rescue, the girl reportedly thanked Rawlins and said she wanted her mother.
The victim was taken to the Child Safety Center, where she shared additional details in a forensic interview. She reportedly believed she was engaging in a relationship with a 15-year-old boy and that Sierra Britten was his roommate. Upon arriving at the couple’s home, the child told investigators that Brandon Britten took her into a bedroom, where sexual acts occurred. Investigators stated that evidence recovered from the residence and a medical examination corroborated the child’s account.
Documents reveal that Sierra Britten admitted to coordinating the trip to South Carolina around her work schedule so that Brandon could use the car to pick up the child. Sierra further stated that after the child was brought to their home, Brandon took the child into their bedroom while she slept in another room with their young son.
Both Brandon and Sierra Britten remain in custody at the Independence County Detention Center. Bond for each has been set at $1 million.
Authorities urge anyone who may know of similar cases to contact their local law enforcement agency.