The 5 Browns’ father pleads guilty to child sex abuse

Keith Scott Brown, father of the famous classical piano quintet The 5 Browns, pled guilty to one count of first-degree felony sodomy of a child and two counts of second-degree felony sexual abuse of a child on Thursday, Feb. 17, in Provo.

Brown, 55, who managed his children until 2008, was formally charged on Feb. 10 for sexually abusing his daughters, Desirae, 32, Deondra, 30 and Melody, 26. The charges stem from separate incidents of abuse between November of 1990 and March of 1998.

Although the family had kept the abuse a secret for many years, Brown’s recent intentions to manage child musicians again prompted his daughters to come forward and contact authorities.

Brown faces 10 years to life in prison and will be formally sentenced in March.

“There’s no question that he’s going to prison,” said David Sturgill, a supervising attorney with Utah County. “[Brown] pled guilty. The judge has no discretion in this case.”

Four days after charges were filed, Brown made headlines after his Porsche plunged 300 feet into a frozen creek in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Brown and his wife Lisa, who were returning from a Valentine’s Day dinner, were both knocked unconscious. Brown awoke soon after and dialed 911. Police had difficulty locating the wreckage for almost an hour due to a noted lack of debris, skid marks or disturbed foliage in the area.
Although authorities have surmised that speed was a factor and may have caused Brown to lose control of the vehicle, some are suspicious of the accident’s true nature.

“My personal opinion is that this accident was a failed suicide attempt,” said one longtime associate of the Brown family, who chose to remain anonymous. “I was sad to learn of Lisa’s injuries. I think it was another selfish behavior on Keith’s part.”

Brown’s plea last week has led to increased attention on his children’s classical quintet. An overwhelming number of hits has caused the group’s website to be taken down temporarily. A statement on the website thanked fans for their patience and understanding.

Meanwhile, the group plans to maintain their concert schedule as planned, including an appearance in Avon, Colo. on Feb. 25 and two shows in California in early March.

“We’ve definitely made the decision that [The 5 Browns] are full speed ahead,” said Steven Gates, the group’s personal representative. “They’re going to play all the concerts they can.”