Attorney For Dusten Brown Responds To Fallin Extradition Signing

Gov. Mary Fallin made good on her ultimatum to sign extradition papers for "Baby Veronica's" biological father. This came after the U.S. Supreme Court, the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the South Carolina Supreme Court sided with the 3-year-old's adoptive parents Matt and Melanie Capobianco.

Wednesday, September 4th 2013, 10:48 pm

By: News 9


Gov. Mary Fallin made good on her ultimatum to sign extradition papers for "Baby Veronica's" biological father. This came after the U.S. Supreme Court, the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the South Carolina Supreme Court sided with the 3-year-old's adoptive parents Matt and Melanie Capobianco.

Dusten Brown's attorney, Clark Brewster, fired back at the governor Wednesday telling News 9 that her statements were factually incorrect and that Brown would not be going back to South Carolina. Brewster said that Brown would have a judicial hearing where it will be argued that South Carolina does not allege a crime, rather just a violation of an order.

The emotional custody battle over Veronica took another twist when Fallin signed the extradition order and released a statement that alleged Brown was not cooperating with court visitation orders for Veronica's adoptive parents. 

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

But Brewster argued that the Capobiancos have had numerous visitations with Veronica in Oklahoma and that there has been an open arm invitation to meet with the Capobiancos, however they have not taken up the offer.

Brown's legal team also says they have offered to meet with the Governor to explain the legalities of the situation but she declined that invitation.

The following is the full statement issued by Gov. Mary Fallin:

Governor Mary Fallin today signed the extradition order for Dusten Brown, the biological father of "Baby Veronica."

Brown is contesting Veronica's adoption to Matt and Melanie Capobianco of Charleston, South Carolina. His arguments have now been rejected by the United States Supreme Court as well as courts in South Carolina and Oklahoma.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley requested Brown's extradition from Oklahoma to South Carolina on August 13. Brown, who has refused to release Veronica to her adopted parents, faces charges of custodial interference in South Carolina.

Brown's extradition does not affect the current placement of Baby Veronica.

"My goal in the Baby Veronica case has been to encourage both Mr. Brown and the Capobianco family to reach a quick settlement and come to an agreement that protects Veronica's best interests," Fallin said. "I said previously that I was willing to delay Mr. Brown's extradition to South Carolina as long as all parties were working together in good faith to pursue such a settlement. I also outlined parameters for what I believe to be acting in ‘good faith:' both Mr. Brown and the Capobianco family should be able to see Veronica; both parties should continue meeting to pursue a resolution outside of court; and both parties must obey the courts and the rule of law.

"Unfortunately, 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. He is acting in open violation of both Oklahoma and South Carolina courts, which have granted custody of Veronica to the Capobiancos. Finally, he has cut off negotiations with the Capobiancos and shown no interest in pursuing any other course than yet another lengthy legal battle.

"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. For both of these reasons, I have signed the extradition order to send Mr. Brown to South Carolina." 

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