A 27-year-old man from Poplarville, Mississippi, is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he sexually abused a 14-year-old girl who was residing in his family’s household, resulting in her pregnancy. His mother now faces separate charges for allegedly attempting to obstruct the investigation.
Dawson James Brown was arrested last week and booked on one count of statutory rape, one count of human trafficking, and two counts of sexual battery, according to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office. His mother, 54-year-old Sabrina Brown, was also taken into custody and charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence, attempted evidence tampering, and child neglect.
Officials said the case came to light after the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services flagged an anonymous tip in late June reporting that a 14-year-old girl was pregnant. Detectives opened an investigation that quickly led to felony warrants against both mother and son.
Authorities have withheld the victim’s identity and are urging the public not to circulate any details that could expose who she is. Investigators believe she became pregnant late last year, when she was 13.
According to the sheriff’s office, digital evidence recovered from Dawson Brown’s phone allegedly included images, videos, and messages connecting him to the victim and referencing the pregnancy. Investigators also allege the victim’s mother stated Brown admitted to fathering the child.
Officials further allege that once the investigation began, Sabrina Brown tried to interfere by instructing the teenage victim on how to falsify DNA-related documentation submitted to detectives, with text messages allegedly showing her coaching the girl on what to report.
Sabrina Brown was released after posting a $10,000 bond. Dawson Brown remains in custody without bond after a judge ruled him a flight risk, citing concerns he could flee prosecution.
The sheriff’s office says the investigation is active, and further arrests have not been ruled out.