Case Update: CMPD VCAT Arrests Felony Child Abuse Suspects

Published on July 07, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, July 7, 2023) – Following an ongoing investigation and the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit have successfully apprehended two individuals suspected of Felony Child Abuse.  This accomplishment comes after a comprehensive 4-month-long manhunt.

On Thursday, July 6, 2023, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) arrested Mildred Chestnut (DOB 01/22/2000) and Brandon Augustine (DOB 11/21/1998).  The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center in Uptown to be questioned by detectives.  At the conclusion of the interview, Ms. Chestnut and Mr. Augustine were transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Felony Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Injury.

The arrests were accomplished due to a collaborative joint effort involving CMPD’s VCAT Unit, the United States Secret Service, CMPD’s Crimes Against Children Unit, Aviation Unit, K9 Unit, Missing Persons Unit, Cyber Crimes Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, FBI Charlotte, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), Austell PD (GA), Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office (FL), Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (FL), and FBI Atlantic City. 

The CMPD would like to express its sincere gratitude to the many private citizens who played a crucial role in the successful arrest of both suspects. Their invaluable contributions exemplify the power of collaboration between law enforcement and community members.  Without your assistance, these apprehensions would not have been possible. Your support has made a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
 

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this case, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. All tips remain anonymous. For additional information about this case, please refer to the reports: 20230320-1435-05 (Felony Child Abuse) & 20230320-1213-01 (Missing Persons).

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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit are requesting the public’s assistance in locating two child abuse suspects.

Public’s Assistance Requested Locating Child Abuse Suspects

Mildred Chestnut (DOB 01/22/2000) and Brandon Augustine (DOB 11/21/1998) are facing charges of Felony Intentional Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Injury. The victim is a male infant who's suffering from severe and life-altering injuries.

On March 20, 2023, CMPD officers were notified of a 4-month-old infant being treated for injuries from a minor vehicle crash. Upon the initial investigation, detectives determined that the child's injuries were not consistent with a minor vehicle crash. After further investigation, warrants were signed on March 21, 2023, against Mildred Chestnut and Brandon Augustine, the mother, and father of the infant child. Chestnut and Augustine were reported missing by family members at around the same time as the police investigation began.

The CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) has been searching for Chestnut and Augustine since March 21. It is likely that the couple has fled North Carolina. A vehicle belonging to them was found in Austell, Georgia on March 21 after it was intentionally abandoned and hidden. Detectives believe that the couple has been receiving assistance including money, shelter, and rides. Anyone with knowledge of this case that has been providing assistance to Chestnut and Augustine is subject to criminal charges including Aiding and Abetting, and Accessory after the Fact of a Felony.

Anyone with knowledge of Chestnut and Augustine's whereabouts is asked to call CMPD Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. All tips remain anonymous. For additional information about this case, please refer to the reports: 20230320-1435-05 (child abuse) & 20230320-1213-01 (missing persons).

 

 

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