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A couple in Arkansas was arrested after a 12-year-old girl who they met online and allegedly abducted and raped was found inside of their home.
Brandon Lee Britten has been charged with rape, internet stalking of a child and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor, while Sierra Dawn Britten was charged with corresponding charges as an accomplice.
Arkansas authorities first learned of the case on September 9 when the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Independence County Sheriff’s Department about the missing girl, according to the affidavit obtained by People.
Investigators said they learned the girl was taken in a black Chevrolet Malibu that had an Arkansas license plate. The vehicle was then traced to Brandon, 31, and authorities went to his home in Independence County to look for the girl.
Upon their arrival, investigators found the car outside of the residence. Officers made several attempts to contact the people inside before Brandon and Sierra, 28, eventually came to the door.
Brandon reportedly told authorities that the girl was inside the house, and he was taken into custody. As Brandon was arrested, Sierra allegedly went back inside the home and attempted to prevent the officers from getting to the girl.
The officers managed to search the home and eventually found the girl in a bathroom. She was then taken to a Child Safety Center, where she underwent a forensic interview and medical examination.
The girl told investigators during the interview that she had been communicating with Brandon and Sierra online before she was abducted. She believed that she was talking to a 15-year-old boy and that Sierra was his roommate, per the affidavit.
She also claimed that Brandon sexually assaulted her when she arrived at their home.
Sierra also spoke to investigators, and she claimed that she and Brandon had been communicating with the girl for about a month before they abducted her. She also admitted that they communicated through video chats and that they exchanged nude images, per the document.
She went on to tell investigators that she helped coordinate Brandon’s trip to South Carolina so that he could use the car to pick the girl up.
Sierra initially told investigators that she believed the girl was 18, but later said she believed she was 14. The investigation into the case is still ongoing.
Following their arrests, the Independence County Sheriff’s Department announced via social media that Brandon and Sierra’s bonds were each set at $1 million.
It is not currently clear if Brandon or Sierra have entered pleas or retained legal counsel following their arrests. The Independence County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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