Pastor's Son Accused of Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl Living with Family; Mother Faces Charges for Interfering

In a shocking case that has sent ripples through the religious community in Mississippi, Dawson James Brown, a 27-year-old son of a local pastor, was arrested last week on charges related to statutory rape and human trafficking. The arrest came after an investigation revealed that Brown had impregnated a 14-year-old girl who was living with his family at the time of the alleged abuse.

The Pearl River County Sheriff's Office initiated its probe following an anonymous tip-off to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services on June 30, which led detectives to launch a thorough investigation. The case quickly escalated as evidence emerged indicating that Brown had been sexually abusing the minor since she was 13 years old, in October or November 2025.

Brown faces one count each of statutory rape and human trafficking, along with two counts of sexual battery. His mother, Sabrina Brown, a 54-year-old woman who is married to the pastor of New Heights/College Heights Baptist Church in Poplarville, was also arrested on felony charges including conspiracy to tamper with evidence, attempted tampering with physical evidence, and child neglect.

According to court documents, investigators found multiple images and videos on Dawson Brown's iPhone showing him engaging in sexual acts with the underage girl. Additionally, electronic communications identified Brown as the father of the victim’s unborn child. The girl's mother corroborated these findings by stating that Dawson had admitted paternity to her.

The investigation took a dramatic turn when it was alleged that Sabrina Brown attempted to obstruct justice after learning about the ongoing probe into the pregnancy. She allegedly instructed the minor on how to fabricate and submit false DNA information to investigators, attempting to divert attention from the truth. Text messages recovered by detectives further substantiated these claims.

Sabrina Brown posted a $10,000 bond and was released from custody, while her son remains in jail without bail due to concerns over his flight risk status. The case has garnered significant public interest and raises serious questions about the responsibilities of religious leaders and their families when it comes to protecting vulnerable minors within their care.

The sheriff's office emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, with additional arrests possible as more evidence surfaces. This case highlights the critical need for stringent safeguards and oversight mechanisms in places where children are entrusted to adults who hold positions of authority and trust within religious institutions.