ndependence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens is providing an update after an abducted South Carolina child was found safe in northern Independence County and two people were taken into custody.
Sheriff Stephens says the Independence County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by authorities in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, at approximately 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, after investigators received information that the abducted juvenile could be in northern Independence County.
The Independence County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division immediately began working to establish a possible location.
Investigators developed a location and arrived at approximately 3:15 p.m. — about 15 minutes after the initial notification from South Carolina authorities.
Sheriff Stephens says deputies made contact with Brandon Britten and Sierra Britten at the location. Both were taken into custody.
The juvenile was located and escorted by law enforcement to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County for a forensic interview, medical examination and additional resources.
The Sheriff’s Office also executed a search warrant at the location as investigators worked to recover evidence and gather additional information connected to the case.
Later Wednesday evening, the juvenile was placed at the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch while her parents traveled from South Carolina.
Sheriff Stephens says the child was reunited with her parents Thursday morning, September 10.
The Independence County Sheriff’s Office is thanking the staff of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County and the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch for their immediate response and assistance.
Sheriff Stephens says the investigation remains active and ongoing, with the Independence County Sheriff’s Office working in cooperation with federal law enforcement partners.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released additional information concerning possible charges against Brandon Britten or Sierra Britten.
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