Left to right: Dawson James Brown and Sabrina Brown (Pearl River Co. Sheriff's Office).
The 27-year-old son of a Mississippi pastor is accused of impregnating a 14-year-old girl who was living with his family, while his mother allegedly tried to help conceal the abuse by directing the child to submit false DNA information to investigators.
Dawson James Brown was taken into custody last week and charged with one count each of statutory rape and human trafficking as well as two counts of sexual battery, authorities announced. His mother, 54-year-old Sabrina Brown, was also arrested on felony charges of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, attempted tampering with physical evidence, and child neglect after investigators alleged she attempted to interfere with the investigation.
According to a news release from the Pearl River County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began on or about June 30 after the agency received a referral from the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services regarding a 14-year-old girl who had been reported pregnant through an anonymous complaint. Detectives said they immediately launched an investigation that ultimately resulted in felony arrest warrants for both defendants.
Authorities have not publicly identified the juvenile victim and asked the public not to share any information that could reveal her identity. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests are possible, the sheriff's office said.
The victim was living with the Brown family at the time prosecutors allege Dawson Brown sexually abused her, according to reporting from Biloxi ABC and CBS affiliate WLOX. Investigators believe the girl became pregnant in October or November 2025, when she was 13 years old.
The sheriff's office reportedly confirmed to the station that Sabrina Brown is the wife of a pastor at New Heights/College Heights Baptist Church in Poplarville, while Dawson Brown is the pastor's son.
Investigators reportedly searched Dawson Brown's iPhone and allegedly discovered multiple images and videos depicting him and the juvenile victim engaged in sexual acts. Detectives also allegedly recovered electronic communications discussing the girl's pregnancy that identified Dawson Brown as the father of the unborn child.
The girl's mother also told investigators that Dawson Brown admitted he was the father of the victim's baby, according to court records.
Investigators further allege Sabrina Brown attempted to derail the investigation after learning authorities were looking into the pregnancy. Court documents reportedly state she instructed the juvenile victim on how to fabricate and submit a false DNA-related document to investigators. Detectives also cited text messages they say show Sabrina Brown attempted to "coerce, direct and instruct" the girl regarding what DNA information to provide to law enforcement.
The victim's mother also told investigators she received money and favors from Dawson Brown, the station reported.
Sabrina Brown posted a $10,000 bond and was released from custody, while Dawson Brown was ordered held without bond after a judge deemed him a flight risk.
It was not immediately clear when Dawson Brown was scheduled to make his next court appearance.
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