James L. Braswell, Kayla Miller
The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation began June 13, 2025, after a report was forwarded from Watauga County DSS. Investigators worked with the Children’s Advocacy Center and DSS to build the case against James Braswell, 30, and Kayla Miller, 30, both of Vilas.
Braswell was first charged June 27, 2025, with First Degree Statutory Sex Offense. Additional warrants followed June 30, 2025, adding Incest, First Degree Statutory Rape, two more counts of First Degree Statutory Sex Offense, Indecent Liberties with a Minor, and three counts of Felony Child Abuse. He was held on a $2,000,000 secured bond. Miller was charged the same day with three counts of Felony Child Abuse and held on a $40,000 secured bond.
On August 10, 2026, Braswell pleaded guilty to three counts of Felony Child Abuse, one count of First Degree Statutory Rape, and one count of Indecent Liberties with a Minor. His combined sentence, to be served consecutively, ranges from roughly 295 to 452 months — about 24 to 37 years.
On August 11, 2026, Miller pleaded guilty to three counts of Felony Child Abuse, receiving credit for time served and active probation.
Watauga Sheriff’s Office