A husband and wife in Independence County are facing multiple felony charges after deputies recovered a 12-year-old South Carolina girl who authorities allege was abducted and sexually assaulted, according to court documents.
Brandon Lee Britten, 31, and Sierra Dawn Britten, 28, were taken into custody last Wednesday after Spartanburg County authorities tipped off local deputies about the girl’s possible location. Officials from South Carolina reported credible information that the child had been taken in a black Chevrolet Malibu registered in Arkansas. A subsequent records check traced the vehicle to the Brittens.
Upon locating the vehicle at the couple’s Batesville home, deputies approached, and Brandon Britten allegedly admitted the child was inside. According to a probable-cause affidavit, Sierra Britten initially refused to cooperate, withholding identification and attempting to block deputies from accessing the child. She was ultimately removed from the scene before deputies located the girl in a back bathroom.
Authorities said the child underwent a forensic interview and medical examination at the Child Safety Center before being placed temporarily with the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch. She was reunited with her parents in South Carolina the following day.
The affidavit alleges the girl had connected with the Brittens online, believing she was forming a romantic relationship with a 15-year-old boy. Sierra Britten purportedly posed as the boy’s roommate to maintain the deception. After arriving at the couple’s residence, the child was taken to a bedroom, where Brandon Britten is accused of sexually assaulting her.
In an interview with investigators, Sierra Britten reportedly admitted the pair had communicated with the child for about a month prior, although she provided conflicting accounts of the girl’s age. She initially stated she thought the child was 18 before revising her statement to suggest she believed the girl was 14. The affidavit also alleges Sierra Britten acknowledged she coordinated Brandon Britten’s trip to South Carolina, planning it around her work schedule so he could use their vehicle to pick up the child.
Authorities further allege nude images were exchanged during the course of the online contact with the girl.
Brandon Britten has been charged with traveling for the purpose of engaging in an unlawful sex act with a minor, internet stalking of a child, and rape. Sierra Britten faces accomplice charges on all three counts. During a probable-cause hearing on Friday, Circuit Judge Kimberly Edington set bond for both defendants at $1 million.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.