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Upstate sheriff credits Flock tech for finding abducted teen

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Conversations on Flock cameras returned to Spartanburg County Wednesday, after Sheriff Bill Rhyne credited the tech for helping locate a missing child.

Rhyne told reporters in an afternoon press conference that an abducted 12-year-old girl was found safe in Arkansas.

Brandon Britten, 31, was arrested. He is charged with kidnapping.

Brandon Britten, 31, is charged with kidnapping a Spartanburg 12-year-old girl
Brandon Britten, 31, is accused of kidnapping a Spartanburg 12-year-old girl

The investigation started Tuesday after the child was reported missing. The sheriff said Flock cameras were able to find the car she got into. Investigators said that the car was later traced to Britten.

“Flock has come under a lot of scrutiny from a lot of people across this country,” said Rhyne. “We have told you about the importance of this technology. This is a prime example. Without this technology, we would be at a complete standstill.”

This incident comes as Flock remains a controversial piece of technology in the law enforcement sphere. You can read our reporting on Flock cameras here.

Deputies said there may be additional charges as the investigation continues.

Kristina Thacker joined the South Carolina Public Radio team in September of 2025. She is a multimedia journalist with experience in both on-air reporting and production.