NEWSThe 5 Browns Patriarch, Keith Brown, Charged with Sexual Abuse of His Daughters
Feb. 17 2011, Published 8:20 a.m. ET
Keith Brown, the patriarch of Utah's popular classical music group The 5 Browns, has been charged with sexually abusing his three daughters. Court records have been released showing the father was charged in Salt Lake City on Feb. 10 and a rep for the family has confirmed the horrific allegations.
Kimball Thomson, a spokesman for The 5 Browns, said the charges involve Brown's daughters and group members Desirae, 32, Deondra, 30, and Melody, 26.
"We can confirm that Keith Brown has been charged with sexual abuse involving his daughters," Thomson said in an e-mail to The Associated Press, via the Huffington Post.
He did not disclose any further information about the abuse, but he added that the family appreciates fans thoughts and prayers.
"One of the greatest sources of joy and satisfaction in each of their lives is the opportunity to share their favorite music together—and with fellow music lovers throughout the world," Thomson added. "The 5 Browns wish to thank their friends and supporters for their concern and prayers on their behalf during this trying time."
The charges came only four days after Brown's Porsche drove off a 300-foot embankment into an icy stream.
As he survived the crash, Brown, 55, now faces one first-degree felony count of sodomy on a child and two second-degree felony counts of sexual abuse of a child, according to the court records.
The alleged abuse took place with a child under the age of 14 between November 1990 and October 1992 and also involved a minor between March 1997 and March 1998.
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The classical piano group from Utah features the three sisters and their two brothers, who were all Juilliard-trained and their talents have launched them to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View and they have been profiled on 60 Minutes.
Their albums have topped the Billboard classical music charts and they have reached global fame in Japan, Germany, France, Korea, Mexico and England.
Brown's attorney Steven Shapiro, said he would not comment on the charges until after his client's first court appearance next week.
Catch the quintet's piano playing below.
