INDEPENDENCE COUNTY, AR - A couple has been charged in connection with the alleged abduction and rape of a 12-year-old girl from South Carolina.
Authorities say the young girl was allegedly abducted and found inside an Arkansas home the next day, where she told investigators she had been communicating online with a couple and believed she was meeting a teenage boy, according to an affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE.
The duo, identified as 31-year-old Brandon Lee Britten and 28-year-old Sierra Dawn Britten, have each been charged with three felonies in connection with the alleged abduction. Brandon faces charges of rape, internet stalking of a child and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor.
Sierra faces corresponding charges as an accomplice, according to the court records. The case was brought to the attention of authorities on September 9, when the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) contacted the Independence County Sheriff's Department (ICSD) about the missing girl.
Investigators had information that the girl was taken in a black Chevrolet Malibu with an Arkansas license plate. Authorities were able to trace the vehicle to Brandon and went to his home in Independence County to look for the girl.
Upon arriving at the home, investigators found the car outside the residence. After several attempts to make contact with the people inside, Brandon and Sierra eventually came to the door. Brandon reportedly told investigators that the girl was inside the house. He was immediately taken into custody. The affidavit alleges that Sierra went back inside the home and attempted to prevent officers from reaching the girl.
Authorities eventually located the child in a bathroom. She was taken to a Child Safety Center, where she underwent a forensic interview and medical examination, according to the affidavit.
During the interview, she told investigators that she had been communicating with Brandon and Sierra online. She said she believed she was going to be in a relationship with a 15-year-old boy and understood Sierra to be his roommate. She also alleged that after she arrived at the Brittens' home, Brandon took her into a bedroom and sexually assaulted her.
Investigators interviewed Sierra the following day. She allegedly told investigators that she and Brandon had been communicating with the girl for roughly a month. She acknowledged that they had communicated with her through video chats and that nude images had been exchanged.
Sierra also reportedly told investigators that she had helped coordinate Brandon's trip to South Carolina around her work schedule so that he could use the car to pick up the girl.
The affidavit also alleges that Sierra initially told investigators that she believed the girl was 18, before saying she believed the girl was 14. A judge signed a finding of probable cause for Brandon's arrest on September 15, according to court documents. ICSD announced on Facebook that Brandon and Sierra each have bonds set at $1 million.
Authorities say the young girl was allegedly abducted and found inside an Arkansas home the next day, where she told investigators she had been communicating online with a couple and believed she was meeting a teenage boy, according to an affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE.
The duo, identified as 31-year-old Brandon Lee Britten and 28-year-old Sierra Dawn Britten, have each been charged with three felonies in connection with the alleged abduction. Brandon faces charges of rape, internet stalking of a child and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor.
Sierra faces corresponding charges as an accomplice, according to the court records. The case was brought to the attention of authorities on September 9, when the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) contacted the Independence County Sheriff's Department (ICSD) about the missing girl.
Investigators had information that the girl was taken in a black Chevrolet Malibu with an Arkansas license plate. Authorities were able to trace the vehicle to Brandon and went to his home in Independence County to look for the girl.
Upon arriving at the home, investigators found the car outside the residence. After several attempts to make contact with the people inside, Brandon and Sierra eventually came to the door. Brandon reportedly told investigators that the girl was inside the house. He was immediately taken into custody. The affidavit alleges that Sierra went back inside the home and attempted to prevent officers from reaching the girl.
Authorities eventually located the child in a bathroom. She was taken to a Child Safety Center, where she underwent a forensic interview and medical examination, according to the affidavit.
During the interview, she told investigators that she had been communicating with Brandon and Sierra online. She said she believed she was going to be in a relationship with a 15-year-old boy and understood Sierra to be his roommate. She also alleged that after she arrived at the Brittens' home, Brandon took her into a bedroom and sexually assaulted her.
Investigators interviewed Sierra the following day. She allegedly told investigators that she and Brandon had been communicating with the girl for roughly a month. She acknowledged that they had communicated with her through video chats and that nude images had been exchanged.
Sierra also reportedly told investigators that she had helped coordinate Brandon's trip to South Carolina around her work schedule so that he could use the car to pick up the girl.
The affidavit also alleges that Sierra initially told investigators that she believed the girl was 18, before saying she believed the girl was 14. A judge signed a finding of probable cause for Brandon's arrest on September 15, according to court documents. ICSD announced on Facebook that Brandon and Sierra each have bonds set at $1 million.
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