What to Know
Allegations of a pastor’s family’s involvement in human trafficking and sexual abuse of a minor rocked a Mississippi church community in July 2026. The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office arrested 54-year-old Sabrina Brown and her 27-year-old son, Dawson James Brown, following reports of a 14-year-old girl who became pregnant while living in the family’s home.
Sabrina Brown and Dawson Brown are the wife and son of New Heights/College Heights Baptist Church Pastor Michael Brown. Following the pair’s arrests on July 17, 2026, disturbing details about their alleged crimes began to leak, shocking the church community.
The teenager reportedly lived at the Brown’s home when she became pregnant.
According to court documents obtained by WLOX, the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services contacted PRCSO following an anonymous report of a pregnant 14-year-old girl.
Authorities did not release the teenager’s identity but confirmed she lived at Michael and Sabrina Brown’s home in the fall of 2025. Dawson Brown also lived at the residence and allegedly raped the teenage girl on multiple occasions. Authorities believe she became pregnant in October or November when she was just 13 years old.
Investigators reportedly found evidence of sexual assault on Dawson Brown’s phone.
Court documents revealed Dawson Brown reportedly had multiple photos and videos of him raping the teenage girl recorded on his iPhone 16 Pro. Investigators noted finding multiple electronic communications between the victim and others discussing her pregnancy. She named Dawson Brown as the baby’s father.
The teen’s unidentified mother reportedly told police Dawson Brown also said he was the father. While unconfirmed, some allege the church held a baby shower for the 14-year-old girl.
“We’ve heard that, and we are working to verify the facts,” PRCSO Chief Deputy Freddy Drennan told WLOX. “That is part of what we are looking into.”
The church posted a lengthy statement addressing the allegations on social media.
In a since-deleted Facebook post, the leadership of New Heights/College Heights Baptist Church addressed the allegations.
“We respectfully ask our community to allow law enforcement to complete its work so that all the facts may be established before judgments are made.
We also want to express our love and support for our pastor, Michael Brown, and his family during this difficult time, while remaining committed to truth wherever it leads. Pastor Brown and his family continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement, and we remain prayerful for them as they navigate these challenging circumstances.
College Heights Baptist Church is likewise committed to full cooperation with law enforcement should any information or assistance be requested from our church,” the statement reads in part.
Sabrina Brown posted bond.
WLOX reported Sabrina Brown posted a $10,000 bond following her arrest. She faces charges of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, attempted tampering with physical evidence, and felony child neglect. In this case, the neglect is defined as knowingly permitting ongoing child sexual abuse.
A judge did not grant Dawson Brown bond as he’s seen as a flight risk. He faces statutory rape, sexual battery, and human trafficking charges.
“This investigation does involve a juvenile victim, and we are asking the public to respect the victim’s privacy and not share or release the juvenile’s identity,” the sheriff’s office shared on Facebook.
“This investigation is ongoing, and additional arrest(s) are possible. If you have any credible and relevant information regarding this active investigation, please contact the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office Central Investigations Division at 601-403-2530.”
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