Topline: A Virginia man identified as the last known person to see Katelin Akens alive has been arrested on child sex charges tied to allegations involving Akens and her younger sister.
Published: April 11, 2026 11:41 am ET
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Katelin Atkins, left, and James Branton.
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A Virginia man who authorities say was the last known person to see Katelin Akens alive was arrested this week on child sex charges tied to allegations involving Akens and her younger sister.
The New York Post reported that James Branton, 46, was charged with two counts each of child cruelty, indecent exposure of a child, custodial indecent liberties, and aggravated sexual battery. Local reporting by WUSA9 and WTVR said the alleged offenses began in 2006 and involved Akens and her sister when they were children.
According to court documents cited by local outlets, the abuse allegations date to the period after Akens’ mother, Lisa Sullivan, married Branton and moved the family into his home. Investigators allege the abuse continued for years, beginning when Akens was about 10 years old and her sister was younger.
According to authorities, Akens disappeared on Dec. 5, 2015, when she was 19 and was supposed to travel to Arizona. Investigators have said Branton drove her that day and later claimed he dropped her near the Springfield Metro station so she could continue to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, but detectives said her phone was never detected at the airport.
Two days after she vanished, according to investigators, Akens’ luggage was found in a ditch along River Road near Fredericksburg. Her wallet and identification were inside, while some personal belongings were missing.
Authorities executed a search of Branton’s Spotsylvania County property on Friday using excavators, shovels, and ground-penetrating radar equipment, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies assisting. The New York Post reported that investigators returned with personnel from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the search was aimed at finding evidence that could be associated with a crime, and Akens’ disappearance remains an open and active investigation. Authorities have not announced charges in connection with her disappearance.
Branton was being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, according to the New York Post.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Virginia Stepfather Arrested on Child Sex Charges in Katelin Akens Case
A Virginia man identified as the last known person to see Katelin Akens alive has been arrested on child sex charges tied to allegations involving Akens and her younger sister.
By Silvia Torres
Published: April 11, 2026 11:41 am ET
Katelin Atkins, left, and James Branton.
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A Virginia man who authorities say was the last known person to see Katelin Akens alive was arrested this week on child sex charges tied to allegations involving Akens and her younger sister.
The New York Post reported that James Branton, 46, was charged with two counts each of child cruelty, indecent exposure of a child, custodial indecent liberties, and aggravated sexual battery. Local reporting by WUSA9 and WTVR said the alleged offenses began in 2006 and involved Akens and her sister when they were children.
According to court documents cited by local outlets, the abuse allegations date to the period after Akens’ mother, Lisa Sullivan, married Branton and moved the family into his home. Investigators allege the abuse continued for years, beginning when Akens was about 10 years old and her sister was younger.
According to authorities, Akens disappeared on Dec. 5, 2015, when she was 19 and was supposed to travel to Arizona. Investigators have said Branton drove her that day and later claimed he dropped her near the Springfield Metro station so she could continue to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, but detectives said her phone was never detected at the airport.
Two days after she vanished, according to investigators, Akens’ luggage was found in a ditch along River Road near Fredericksburg. Her wallet and identification were inside, while some personal belongings were missing.
Authorities executed a search of Branton’s Spotsylvania County property on Friday using excavators, shovels, and ground-penetrating radar equipment, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies assisting. The New York Post reported that investigators returned with personnel from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the search was aimed at finding evidence that could be associated with a crime, and Akens’ disappearance remains an open and active investigation. Authorities have not announced charges in connection with her disappearance.
Branton was being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, according to the New York Post.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Virginia Stepfather Arrested on Child Sex Charges in Katelin Akens Case
A Virginia man identified as the last known person to see Katelin Akens alive has been arrested on child sex charges tied to allegations involving Akens and her younger sister.
By Silvia Torres
Published: April 11, 2026 11:41 am ET
Katelin Atkins, left, and James Branton.
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A Virginia man who authorities say was the last known person to see Katelin Akens alive was arrested this week on child sex charges tied to allegations involving Akens and her younger sister.
The New York Post reported that James Branton, 46, was charged with two counts each of child cruelty, indecent exposure of a child, custodial indecent liberties, and aggravated sexual battery. Local reporting by WUSA9 and WTVR said the alleged offenses began in 2006 and involved Akens and her sister when they were children.
According to court documents cited by local outlets, the abuse allegations date to the period after Akens’ mother, Lisa Sullivan, married Branton and moved the family into his home. Investigators allege the abuse continued for years, beginning when Akens was about 10 years old and her sister was younger.
According to authorities, Akens disappeared on Dec. 5, 2015, when she was 19 and was supposed to travel to Arizona. Investigators have said Branton drove her that day and later claimed he dropped her near the Springfield Metro station so she could continue to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, but detectives said her phone was never detected at the airport.
Two days after she vanished, according to investigators, Akens’ luggage was found in a ditch along River Road near Fredericksburg. Her wallet and identification were inside, while some personal belongings were missing.
Authorities executed a search of Branton’s Spotsylvania County property on Friday using excavators, shovels, and ground-penetrating radar equipment, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies assisting. The New York Post reported that investigators returned with personnel from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the search was aimed at finding evidence that could be associated with a crime, and Akens’ disappearance remains an open and active investigation. Authorities have not announced charges in connection with her disappearance.
Branton was being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, according to the New York Post.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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