From Press Release and official court documents
A Batesville couple is behind bars in Independence County after allegedly stalking, kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl from South Carolina.
Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens presented the case against Brandon Britten, 31, and Sierra Britten, 28, to a circuit judge Friday. The couple has since been formally charged.
Brandon Britten is charged with traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor, a Class B felony; internet stalking of a child, a Class Y felony; and rape, a Class Y felony.
The investigation began Sept. 9 when the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina contacted the Independence County Sheriff’s Department regarding the reported abduction of a 12-year-old girl.
South Carolina investigators said credible information indicated the child had been taken from the area around 4 p.m. Sept. 8 in a black Chevrolet Malibu. Investigators identified the vehicle’s Arkansas license plate through Flock camera sightings.
A check of the plate showed the vehicle was registered to Brandon Britten of Independence County.
At the request of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Zach Rawlins and other Independence County officers went to Britten’s residence, where they found the black Malibu in the driveway.
After several attempts by officers to get someone to answer the door, Brandon and Sierra Britten came outside. After acknowledging that the 12-year-old was inside the residence, Brandon Britten was taken into custody.
According to investigators, Sierra Britten initially refused to identify herself and went back inside the residence. She then refused to allow officers inside and was physically removed so they could search for the missing child.
Officers located the girl in a back bathroom with her face against the wall, shaking. After an officer identified himself, the child thanked him and said she wanted her mother.
The girl was taken to the Child Safety Center for a forensic interview and medical examination.
During the interview, the child reportedly told investigators that she had been led to believe that Brandon Britten was a 15-year-old boy and that Sierra Britten was his roommate. She alleged that after arriving at the Britten residence, Brandon Britten raped her.
According to investigators, evidence recovered while executing a search warrant at the residence, along with findings from the medical examination, corroborated the child’s account.
Investigators interviewed Sierra Britten on Sept. 10. She reportedly confirmed that she and her husband had been communicating with the child for about a month.
Sierra Britten initially told investigators she believed the child was 18 before later saying she believed she was 14. She also allegedly confirmed that sexually explicit photos and videos involving herself and her husband had been sent to the child.
According to investigators, Sierra Britten said the initial plan was to persuade the child to be with Brandon Britten after they arrived at the residence. She also allegedly admitted planning the trip to South Carolina around her work schedule so her husband could use the vehicle to pick up the child.
She further confirmed that Brandon Britten took the child into the couple’s bedroom while she slept in their young son’s bedroom, according to investigators.
Sierra Britten is charged with traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor, a Class B felony; internet stalking of a child, a Class Y felony; and accomplice to rape, a Class Y felony.
The child spent the night of Sept. 9 at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches until her parents arrived the following morning to take her home.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. The Independence County Sheriff’s Department and Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office are working with federal partners. Authorities said the Brittens are expected to face additional charges in South Carolina.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
