'Baby Veronica' Custody Case Argued In Muskogee County Court

The custody battle over little Veronica made its way into yet another Oklahoma courtroom Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 4th 2013, 6:39 pm

By: News On 6


Dusten Brown's legal team is refusing to give up the fight for his daughter, Veronica.

Brown faces criminal charges in South Carolina and Governor Mary Fallin signed extradition papers Wednesday afternoon. But Brown's attorney says he's gearing up for a court hearing to help his client "stay in Oklahoma and keep his little girl with him."

This is clearly a very emotional case for everyone involved.

Brown's attorney feels Governor Fallin is putting politics over Oklahoma citizens.

The dramatic custody battle over little Veronica intensified after Governor Fallin signed an extradition order to send Veronica's biological father, Dusten Brown, to South Carolina to face criminal charges.

This all started when Brown was charged with custodial interference, after failing to appear at a court-ordered meeting in South Carolina.

He turned himself in to authorities in Oklahoma a few days later.

Governor Fallin said then she would not take action to send Brown to South Carolina before he's had his day in an Oklahoma courtroom.

Since then, Brown has been in six different Oklahoma courtrooms, including one in Nowata County, where a judge ruled to uphold the South Carolina decision for Brown to turn over his daughter to her adoptive parents, Matt and Melanie Capobianco.

9/4/2013 Related Story: Fallin Signs Extradition Papers For 'Baby Veronica's' Biological Father

In a statement, the governor said, "It has become clear that Dusten Brown is not acting in good faith. He has disobeyed an Oklahoma court order to allow the Capobiancos to visit their adopted daughter and continues to deny visitation."

Brown's attorney Clark Brewster says that isn't true.

He said the South Carolina couple has had numerous visitations with Veronica since they came to Oklahoma three weeks ago.

The governor also says she was hoping both families would reach a "quick settlement and come to an agreement that protects Veronica's best interests."

Fallin said, "As governor, I am committed to upholding the rule of law. As a mother, I believe it is in the best interests of Veronica to help end this controversy and find her a permanent home."

Brown's attorney says South Carolina allegations are no longer valid, claiming the order has since been modified since the Oklahoma Supreme Court granted an emergency stay to keep Veronica in Oklahoma.

Brewster said he has offered to meet with the governor to explain the legalities of the situation, but she has declined that invitation.

We have put in calls to the Capobiancos' spokesperson, which have not yet been returned.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

September 4th, 2013

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024