Arkansas couple faces abduction, rape charges after cops rescue a ‘shaking’ 12-year-old girl who ‘wanted her momma’

An Arkansas couple has been arrested and charged for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl from South Carolina who was later rescued from the couple’s home. The suspects have been identified as Brandon Lee Britten, 31, and Sierra Dawn Britten, 28, according to the Independence County Sheriff’s Department.

The couple was taken into custody on September 9, 2026, after officers from the sheriff department responded to a call by Spartanburg County, South Carolina, regarding an abducted child possibly being in the northern area of Independence County.

Couple faces multiple charges

The two suspects are now facing multiple felony charges. According to the Independence County Sheriff’s Department, Brandon has been charged with rape, internet stalking of a child, and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor. Meanwhile, his partner Sierra has been charged with accomplice of traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex with a minor, accomplice of internet stalking of a child, and, accomplice of rape.



In a Facebook post, the sheriff office stated that the charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Both Brandon and Sierra are being held on $1,000,000 bond. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office had “creditable information that the child had been taken from the area in a black Chevy Malibu” with Arkansas plates, according to a probable cause for arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE and KAIT8.

How did cops trace suspects and rescue the minor

The affidavit further revealed that officers were able to trace the vehicle to Brandon’s home in Independence County. They managed to locate the Chevy Malibu outside, and “after numerous attempts to get someone at the door,” the couple moved out of the residence.

After acknowledging that the 12-year-old abducted minor was inside the home, Brandon was taken into custody. In the affidavit, Lt. Zach Rawlins stated that Sierra allegedly blocked the officers’ way into the home, “trying to keep me from locating the 12-year-old.” “Sierra, actively resisting, had to be physically removed from the home so the minor could be located.”

Rawlins wrote in the affidavit that the child was found in a back bathroom “with her face and hands against the wall shaking.” “After telling her who I was, the minor thanked me for coming to get her, and said she wanted her momma.”

What did the girl say in the forensic interview

The girl was taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County for a forensic interview and medical examination, according to the sheriff’s office news release. According to the affidavit, the girl allegedly told police that she got in touch with the couple on the Internet and “she thought she was going to be in a relationship with a 15-year-old boy and Sierra was his roommate.” She further claimed that after she arrived at the Brittens’ home, Brandon took her into a bedroom and sexually assaulted her.

What did Sierra tell police

During an interview with police, Sierra “initially claimed that she believed the child was 18 years old but then claimed that she believed the child was 14,” according to the affidavit. “Sierra provided that she had planned Brandon’s trip to South Carolina around her work schedule so he could use the car to pick up the child,” the affidavit states.

“Sierra also confirmed that after getting the child back to their home, Brandon had taken the child back into their bedroom while she slept in their young son’s bedroom.” According to the sheriff’s office, the girl has since been reunited with her parents.