Arkansas Couple Arrested for Trying to Sell 2-Month-Old Baby for $1,000 and Beer
Charges and Arrests
A couple in Arkansas, Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, were arrested on September 21 by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to negotiate the relinquishment of a minor for adoption.
The Incident
According to court documents obtained by KARK, the manager of the Hide Away Campground contacted police on September 21 to report an incident involving Urban and Ehlers. Police then obtained a letter where Urban and Ehlers reportedly agreed to give a man the custody of their child in exchange for $1,000.
The Letter
The letter, signed by both parents, also included a disclaimer saying, “There will be no changing y’all two’s minds and to never contact again.” The letter stated that the couple intended to surrender the baby the following Monday.
Additional Allegations
Investigators also found that earlier in the day, another resident of the campground had offered the couple to take the baby for the night in exchange for several cans of beer.
Response and Aftermath
Responding officers then found the baby needed medical attention and called emergency medical personnel, who transported the child to a local hospital for evaluation. The couple was not present at the time. Urban was arrested and released on a $5,000 bond on September 24. Ehlers was arrested but remained in custody on a $30,000 bail.
Conclusion
The incident is a shocking example of the severity of child endangerment and the importance of protecting children from harm. The couple’s actions are unacceptable and put the child’s life at risk. It is essential for parents to prioritize their child’s well-being and safety above all else.
FAQs
Q: What were the charges against the couple?
A: The couple was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to negotiate the relinquishment of a minor for adoption.
Q: What was the alleged agreement between the couple and the man?
A: The couple allegedly agreed to give the man the custody of their child in exchange for $1,000.
Q: What was the condition of the baby when police found it?
A: The baby needed medical attention and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Q: What happened to the couple after their arrest?
A: Urban was arrested and released on a $5,000 bond, while Ehlers was arrested and remained in custody on a $30,000 bail.
