An Arkansas couple was arrested on suspicion of trying to sell their 2-month-old baby to a man at a campground for $1,000 and a six-pack of beer.
Darien Urban, 21, and Charlene Ehlers, 20, are facing felony charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to obtain compensation for abandonment of a minor.
The Benton County Sheriff's Office received a call on Sept. 21 from the manager of Hide Away Campground, saying the couple had “tried to give up their baby for a six-pack of beer, but they had to pay $1,000 for the baby.” The company announced that it had received a report saying, “I requested this.” In the affidavit, WREG reported.
Before handing over the boy, the couple signed a letter granting custody of the child and including a disclaimer that the child could not be returned.
Illegal Honduran immigrant charged with drunk driving crash that killed child respiratory therapist
Darien Urban, 21, and Charlene Ehlers, 20, are facing felony charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to obtain compensation for abandonment of a minor. (Darian Urban and Charlene Ehlers)
“I, Darien Urban and Charlene Ehlers, sign the rights to carry our baby boy, Cody Nathaniel Martin. [redacted] “September 21, 2024 for $1,000,'' the letter said. “Disclaimer: After signing this, neither of us will change our minds and we will never contact you again.'' It is written.
Multiple witnesses corroborated the adoption attempt, according to the affidavit.
When deputies arrived on scene, the child was found to be in need of medical treatment. The deputy called emergency medical services and transported the infant to the hospital to be examined for signs of neglect. The child is in the custody of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
Witnesses said they found a strong odor of ammonia and feces coming from the baby, who had a dirty diaper. The witness changed the baby's diaper and noticed a severe diaper rash, blisters, and swelling, and took photos to document the appearance of the wound.
Deputies also reportedly obtained cell phone video showing Urban and Ehlers signing a contract with a man trying to buy the baby, according to the affidavit. law and crime Reported.
According to court documents, a witness reported that campground resident Ricky Crawford had previously visited Urban and Ehlers and offered to take the baby overnight in exchange for a few cans of beer. .
Before handing the boy over to someone else, the two allegedly signed a letter granting custody of the child and including a disclaimer that the child could not be returned. (St. Petersburg)
This happened after Ehrler, as usual, approached another couple's camper and asked for a beer. But when the couple refused, Crawford offered them beer in exchange for keeping the baby overnight.
Crawford, who appeared highly intoxicated during her interview with deputies, said she was concerned about the baby's safety and wanted to remove the child from Urban and Ehrler's care that night. He said he agreed to the offer.
“He asked if he could have the baby overnight and offered Ms. Urban and Ms. Ehlers several cans of beer in exchange,” the affidavit states. “Urban and Ehlers agreed and gave the baby to Crawford along with a diaper bag. He then took the baby to Martin, who was in another camper at the campground. Ehlers and Urban then I came to the same camper and spoke to Martin and Crawford before signing the letter.'' ”
“Based on the totality of the investigation, Mr. Urban and Mr. Ehler were responsible for the abandonment of minor children, first to an obviously intoxicated man and ultimately to someone they did not know, resulting in death or serious injury,” the affidavit said. “It is considered that this caused a serious risk of exposure to…'' .
Martin told the agent that he had written a contract and had not yet exchanged any money, but that he planned to bring the couple a check for $1,000 on September 23.
”[Urban and Ehlers] “They reported that Crawford came to the camper and requested that they take the baby overnight. They agreed and gave the baby to Crawford,” according to the affidavit. He said they then talked and went to the camper where the baby was and spoke to Martin. ”
Tennessee pair charged with child abuse after locking autistic child in storage box in unsanitary home
Multiple witnesses corroborated the adoption attempt. (St. Petersburg)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“They said they offered to release the baby to Martin in exchange for $1,000 in cash,” it added. “They said Martin drew up the agreement, videotaped it to ensure it was legal, and planned to 'legalize' it on Monday. They then both said that on Monday He said he left with the understanding that he had given the baby to Martin in exchange for the $1,000 he would raise. ”
Martin said he spoke with the mother about possible reasons for handing over the child. “Mr. Martin stated that having three dogs and a baby was not working out,” the affidavit states.
Urban was released on $50,000 bail, while Ehlers remains held in the Benton County Jail on $30,000 bail.
Last year, Urban set up a GoFundMe in which he said he and Ehlers were struggling financially after the birth of their first child.
