An Arkansas couple was arrested after allegedly trying to promote their two-month-old child to a person at a campground for $1,000 and a six-pack of beer.
Darien City, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, face felony fees of endangering the welfare of a minor and trying to simply accept compensation for relinquishment of a minor.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned it acquired a name on Sept. 21 from the supervisor of the Disguise Away Campground reporting that the couple “tried to give up the baby for a 6-pack of beer and then wanted $1,000 for the baby,” in accordance with an affidavit, WREG reported.
The pair signed a letter granting custody of their little one earlier than handing the boy over to another person, and even included a disclaimer that the kid couldn’t be returned.
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Darien City, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, face felony fees of endangering the welfare of a minor and trying to simply accept compensation for relinquishment of a minor. (Darien City and Shalene Ehlers)
“I, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers are signing our rights over to Cody Nathaniel Martin of our baby boy [redacted] for $1,000 on 09/21/2024,” the letter reads. “Disclaimer: After signing this there will be no changing yall two’s minds and to never contact again.”
A number of witnesses corroborated the tried adoption, in accordance with the affidavit.
The kid was present in want of medical consideration when a deputy arrived on the scene. The deputy referred to as emergency medical providers to move the infant to a hospital for analysis for indicators of neglect. The kid is within the care of the Arkansas Division of Human Companies.
A witness mentioned she found a robust ammonia and fecal odor coming from the infant, who had a unclean diaper. The witness modified the infant’s diaper and observed extreme diaper rash, blisters and swelling, which she took footage of to doc the accidents.
A deputy additionally reportedly obtained cellphone video of City and Ehlers signing the contract with the person trying to buy their child, in accordance with the affidavit, Legislation & Crime reported.
Witnesses reported {that a} resident of the campground, Ricky Crawford, had earlier visited City and Ehlers and provided to take the infant for the night time in trade for a number of cans of beer, in accordance with court docket paperwork.
The pair allegedly signed a letter granting custody of their little one earlier than handing the boy over to another person, and even included a disclaimer that the kid couldn’t be returned. (iStock)
This was after Ehler allegedly approached one other couple’s camper and requested them for beer, as she usually does. However when the couple declined, Crawford provided beer in trade for holding the infant in a single day.
Crawford, who appeared closely intoxicated throughout his interview with a deputy, mentioned he was involved concerning the child’s well-being and needed to take the kid out of City’s and Ehler’s look after the night time, a suggestion they agreed to.
“He asked if he could have the baby overnight and provided Urban and Ehlers with several cans of beer in exchange,” the affidavit reads. “Urban and Ehlers agreed and gave the baby along with a diaper bag to Crawford. He then brought the baby to Martin at another camper at the campground. Ehlers and Urban then came to the same camper and spoke to Martin and Crawford before signing the letter.”
“Based on the totality of the investigation, it is believed both Urban and Ehler created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury by abandoning their minor child initially with an obviously intoxicated male and ultimately with someone they did not know,” the affidavit reads.
Martin instructed deputies he had drawn up the contract and whereas no cash had been exchanged but, he deliberate to deliver the couple a $1,000 verify on Sept. 23.
“[Urban and Ehlers] reported Crawford had come to the camper and requested to take the baby for the night,” in accordance with the affidavit. “They stated they agreed and gave the baby to Crawford. They stated they then discussed it and went to the camper where the baby was and spoke to Martin.”
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A number of witnesses corroborated the tried adoption. (iStock)
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“They stated they offered to surrender the baby to Martin in exchange for $1,000 in cash,” it added. “They stated Martin created an agreement that they videotaped to ensure it was legal and they planned to ‘legalize’ it on Monday. They both stated they then left on the understanding the baby was given to Martin in exchange for $1,000 to be collected on Monday.”
Martin mentioned he spoke to the mom about her cause for the potential surrendering of her little one. “Martin stated she said it was not working having three dogs and a baby,” the affidavit reads.
City was launched on a $50,000 bond whereas Ehlers stays in custody within the Benton County Jail on a $30,000 bail.
Final 12 months, City created a GoFundMe through which he mentioned he and Ehlers have been struggling financially after the beginning of their first little one.
