A community in Poplarville, Mississippi, is confronting disturbing allegations involving a pastor's son, his mother, and the mother of a 14-year-old rape victim, who are accused of a cover-up that included fabricating DNA evidence and allegedly hosting a baby shower for the pregnant teenager.
Dawson Brown, 27, has been charged with statutory rape, sexual battery, and human trafficking for allegedly assaulting and impregnating the 13-year-old victim. Authorities confirmed they recovered multiple images and videos depicting the assaults. Dawson Brown has been denied bond due to being considered a flight risk.
His mother, Sabrina Brown, 54, faces charges of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, attempted tampering with physical evidence, and child neglect. Court documents state she allegedly instructed the teen to provide false information about Dawson's DNA.
The victim's mother, Kendrell Bowden, 32, has been charged with human trafficking and contributing to the neglect or delinquency of a child. She initially told investigators she was unaware of the pregnancy until the teen asked to return home. Dawson Brown later admitted to Bowden that he was the father and provided her with money, a vehicle, and other favors, according to court documents.
Investigators reviewed text messages between the Browns and Bowden that appeared to discuss the teen and her pregnancy. In a second interview, Bowden admitted to having personal knowledge of a sexual relationship between Dawson and her daughter but stated she did not report it because she was scared.
Online rumors suggested that College Heights Baptist Church, where Dawson Brown's father is a pastor, hosted a baby shower for the victim, who reportedly lived with the Brown family. Church officials are not accused of wrongdoing, and authorities are still working to confirm if a baby shower took place.
Sabrina Brown has since been released on a $10,000 bond, while Kendrell Bowden remains in custody on a combined $160,000 bond. The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office has requested public respect for the victim's privacy and urged against the release of her identity.