A couple in Arkansas was arrested after reportedly attempting to sell their 2-month-old infant for a six-pack of beer and a $1,000 cashier’s check, according to court documents.
The baby’s parents, Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, were arrested on September 21 after the manager of a campsite in Benton County contacted the local sheriff’s department to report an altercation involving the couple, CBS station WREG reports.
According to the informant, the couple had prepared a document granting Cody Martin custody of their infant in exchange for money. The letter, signed by Urban and Ehlers, includes a disclaimer saying, “There will be no changing y’all two’s minds and to never contact again,” according to WREG, citing an affidavit.
Responding troopers determined that the newborn required medical assistance and contacted emergency medical services, who transported the infant to a local hospital for evaluation. The youngster is currently in the custody of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
According to the affidavit, many witnesses confirmed the attempted adoption. A deputy also allegedly obtained a cellphone video of Urban and Ehlers signing the contract with the man attempting to buy the kid.
Witnesses said that a campsite resident, identified in the affidavit as Ricky Crawford, had earlier visited Urban and Ehlers and offered to take the infant for the night in exchange for six cans of beer, WREG reported.
Crawford, who appeared intoxicated, stated that he had removed the baby from the parents and delivered it to Martin.
Another witness told investigators that they smelt heavy ammonia and feces emanating from the baby, who was wearing a soiled diaper. She informed the deputies that after changing the infant, she saw severe diaper rash, blisters, and swelling, which she documented with images.
According to the document, which was also acquired by CBS News, Martin told detectives that he discussed the potential adoption with Ehlers, who stated that “it was not working having three dogs and a baby.”
According to court filings, Martin informed officers that he wrote the agreement for Urban and Ehlers to sign, but no money was exchanged at the time. He offered to arrange for a $1,000 cashier’s check. The couple never received this cash.
The couple was detained and faced felony accusations of endangering the welfare of a youngster and attempting to arrange the surrender of a minor for adoption.
Urban was released on a $5,000 bond on September 24, but Ehlers remains in detention on a $30,000 bail.