By admin 
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) – An Arkansas couple arrested in connection with the abduction of a 12-year-old girl are now facing multiple felony charges.
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A judge found probable cause last Tuesday to charge Brandon Lee Britten, 31, and Sierra Dawn Britten, 28, with traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor and internet stalking of a child, both felonies. Brandon Britten is also charged with rape, and Sierra Britten is charged with being an accomplice to rape.
The couple are accused of grooming a 12-year-old South Carolina girl via social media before abducting her Sept. 8 and taking her back to Arkansas.
Couple allegedly groomed victim before abducting her
The Brittens had been in contact with the victim for a month before her disappearance, according to court documents.
Sierra Britten initially claimed she believed the girl was 18 years old then claimed she believed she was 14 years old, according to the affidavit. She told investigators they had chatted with her on video and exchanged nude images.
Brandon Britten drove about 11 hours from Independence County, Arkansas, to Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where he allegedly abducted the victim Sept. 8. Investigators used Flock cameras to track his car back to Arkansas and to identify the suspects.
Deputies find victim at couple’s home
Independence County Sheriff’s deputies went to the Brittens’ home Sept. 9. The couple acknowledged the victim was inside, and deputies took Brandon Britten into custody, Lt. Zach Rawlins said.
Rawlins said Sierra Britten refused to identify herself and went back into the home.
“In pursuit of her into the home, I found her blocking my way, trying to keep me from locating the 12-year-old,” Rawlins said. “Sierra, actively resisting, had to be physically removed from the home so the minor could be located.”
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Rawlins said he found the girl 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 mama,” said Rawlins in the court documents.
What the victim told investigators
The victim was taken to the Child Safety Center for a forensic interview. She said she had been in contact with the Brittens over the internet and “thought she was going to be in a relationship with a 15-year-old boy and Sierra was his roommate,” the affidavit said.
After reaching the Brittens’ home, the 12-year-old told investigators Brandon Britten took her into a bedroom and engaged in sexual acts with her.
“Evidence later recovered pursuant to a search warrant of the home and medical examination corroborated the child’s story,” Rawlins said.
The victim was reunited with her parents Sept. 10.
During questioning, Sierra Britten told Rawlins she planned Brandon Britten’s trip to South Carolina around her work schedule, so he could use the car to pick up the victim.
“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,” Rawlins said.
The Brittens remain in the Independence County Detention Center on a $1 million bond each.
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