By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-25 18:31:56 | Updated at 2026-07-25 21:56:29
3 hours ago
A Mississippi pastor's adult son has been arrested over allegations he impregnated a 14-year-old living at the family home.
Dawson Brown, 27, is charged with one count of statutory rape, two counts of sexual battery and one count of human trafficking.
He was arrested in the small town of Poplarville on July 17, a few weeks after police received an anonymous report that the teen was pregnant, according to the Pearl River County Sheriff's Department.
Brown's mother Sabrina Brown, 54, was also charged with conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, attempted tampering with physical evidence and child neglect after she allegedly coached the teen on how to fake DNA evidence.
Police are also probing claims whether the family's church, the College Heights Baptist Church, threw the alleged victim a baby shower. The church has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The teen's mother Kendrell Bowden, 32, has also been charged in connection with the alleged abuse. She was apprehended on Tuesday and charged with human trafficking and contributing to the neglect or delinquency of a child.
Investigators believe the teen was just 13 when she became pregnant in the fall of 2025, according to court documents obtained by local CBS and ABC affiliate WLOX.
They said they received an anonymous tip in June and visited the home before determining that Brown is the father.
Dawson Brown, pictured above in a social media post, has been accused of sexual assault against a teenage girl
Sabrina Brown has been charged with conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, attempted tampering with physical evidence and child neglect for allegedly conspiring with the teen to delete evidence implicating her son
Dawson Brown, 27, was charged with one count of statutory rape, two counts of sexual battery and one count of human trafficking
The sheriff's department confirmed to WLOX that Sabrina and Dawson are related to Pastor Michael Brown, who preaches at New Heights/College Heights Baptist Church in Poplarville.
Online rumors circulated that the church held a baby shower for the teen after she found out she was pregnant.
PRCSO Chief Deputy Freddy Drennan told WLOX that investigators have heard the rumor and were 'working to verify the facts.'
College Heights is a part of the Missions Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi.
Investigators first interviewed Bowden on July 14. The teen's mom said she learned about her daughter's pregnancy after she asked to move back home and refused to reveal the father's identity.
However, three days later, Bowden allegedly admitted in a second interview that she had 'personal knowledge' of a sexual relationship between her daughter and Dawson, but did not initially tell police 'because she was scared,' according to court documents.
Investigators reviewed text messages between the Browns and Bowden, allegedly discussing the teen and her pregnancy.
One message sent from Dawson to Bowden on June 3 allegedly saw him ask if she thought he should leave the country.
Dawson also allegedly gave Bowden money, took her to a sporting event and allowed her to use his car.
Kendrell Bowden, 32, was charged with human trafficking and contributing to the neglect or delinquency of a child
Sheriff's deputies confirmed to local news that the Brown's were related to Pastor Michael Brown, who preaches at New Heights/College Heights Baptist Church in Poplarville, pictured above
Court documents also alleged that Bowden gave permission for Dawson to travel with her daughter when he asked about taking the teen to Alabama.
Investigators believe that Sabrina pressured the teen to fabricate and submit a false DNA document, according to court records.
Prosecutors said during a recent court hearing that a paternity test will be conducted once the teen gives birth.
Sabrina posted a $10,000 bond and was released from jail. Bowden remains in custody on a $150,000 bond for human trafficking and a $10,000 bond for child neglect. Dawson was denied bond at a recent court hearing.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the sheriff's department for an update and additional information on the case.
The Daily Mail has also reached out to Pastor Michael Brown and the College Heights Baptist Church for comment.
