A Mississippi man and his mother have been arrested after authorities launched an investigation into the pregnancy of a 14-year-old girl, with investigators alleging the woman attempted to interfere with the case.
The arrests followed a referral from the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services regarding the pregnant juvenile, according to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office.
Dawson James Brown, 27, was arrested July 17 and charged with one count of statutory rape, one count of human trafficking, and two counts of sexual battery, authorities said.
His mother, Sabrina Brown, 54, was arrested the same day and charged with conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, attempted tampering with physical evidence, and child neglect.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are possible.
The investigation began June 30 after authorities received a referral involving the 14-year-old girl, who had been reported pregnant through an anonymous complaint.
Investigators said the case led to felony arrest warrants for both Dawson and Sabrina Brown.
Officials have not released the identity of the juvenile and have asked the public not to share information that could identify her.
Court documents and local reports indicate investigators believe the alleged abuse occurred while the teenager was residing in the Brown household.
Authorities have said the pregnancy is believed to date back to late 2025, when the girl was 13.
The investigation also revealed family connections to New Heights/College Heights Baptist Church in Poplarville, according to Law & Crime.
Investigators said digital evidence was collected during the investigation.
Court documents reportedly state that detectives searched Dawson Brown’s cellphone and allegedly recovered images, videos, and electronic communications that investigators say showed sexual contact between Brown and the victim.
Authorities also said communications reviewed during the investigation identified Dawson Brown as the father of the unborn child.
The allegations contained in charging documents have not been proven in court.
Authorities also allege Sabrina Brown attempted to interfere with the investigation after learning law enforcement was examining the pregnancy.
Court documents cited by WLOX reportedly state investigators believe she directed the juvenile to provide false DNA-related information to authorities.
Detectives also cited text messages they say showed Sabrina Brown attempted to “coerce, direct and instruct” the girl regarding information provided during the investigation.
Court records cited by WLOX also include allegations involving the child’s mother, Kendrell Bowden, who was arrested on Tuesday.
Investigators said Bowden told authorities that Dawson Brown admitted he was the father of the baby.
Records also allege she received money and other favors from Dawson Brown after learning about the relationship.
The Express reported that Bowden was charged with human trafficking and contributing to the neglect or delinquency of a child.
Sabrina Brown posted a $10,000 bond and was released from custody, according to authorities. Dawson Brown remained jailed without bond after a judge determined he was a flight risk.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and encouraged anyone with credible information related to the case to contact the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office.
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