OAN Staff Avril Elfie
10:45am – Saturday, September 28, 2024
An Arkansas couple has been arrested on suspicion of trying to sell their 2-month-old baby in exchange for a six-pack of beer and $1,000.
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The couple, Darien Urban, 21, and Charlene Ehlers, 20, are facing felony charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to obtain compensation for the surrender of a minor.
According to the affidavit, on Sept. 21, the Benton County Sheriff's Office received a call from the manager of Hide Away Campground who said a couple “attempted to give up their baby for a six-pack of beer, but… “They demanded $1,000 in compensation,” he said. baby. ”
Before handing over the boy to a man at the campsite, the couple signed a document granting custody of the child, including a disclaimer that the child could not be returned.
“I, Darien Urban and Charlene Ehlers, sign the rights to inherit our baby boy, Cody Nathaniel Martin.” [redacted] September 21, 2024 for $1,000,” the letter reads. “Disclaimer: After signing this, neither of us will change our minds and we will never contact you again.”
The affidavit also states that there were multiple witnesses who corroborated this story.
When officers arrived on scene, it was determined that the child required 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 currently in the care of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
The baby's diaper was soiled and witnesses reported a strong odor of feces and ammonia. When changing the baby's diaper, witnesses observed severe blisters, swelling, and diaper rash.
law and crime Agents also reportedly obtained cell phone video showing Urban and Ehlers signing a contract with the man who was buying the baby.
Witnesses said campground resident Ricky Crawford had previously spoken with Urban and Ehlers and offered to take the baby overnight in exchange for several beer cans, according to court documents.
Court documents say Crawford appeared extremely intoxicated when he confronted authorities, had slurred speech and had trouble staying upright.
Documents say Ehler approached another couple's camper van and asked for a beer, which she allegedly frequently does. But when the couple refused Ehlers' request, Crawford, concerned for the baby's safety, offered them beer in exchange for keeping the baby overnight, which the couple accepted.
Crawford later admitted to police that he took the child from the couple and gave it to Cody Nathaniel Martin, who was staying in a camper on the property.
of kansas city star Urban and Ehlers then approached Martin and offered to sell the child for $1,000, according to court records.
Martin reportedly accepted the deal only if she signed a contract drawn up by Martin, which stated that she would buy the baby for $1,000 on the Monday of the following week, the day Martin was scheduled to receive the money. It stated that it was intended to be handed over.
The document was signed by Mr. Urban and Mr. Ehlers.
“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. “Mr. Urban and Mr. Ehlers agreed and gave the baby to Mr. Crawford along with the diaper bag. He then took the baby to another camper that was at the campground and took it to Martin. Ehlers and Urban arrived in the same camper and spoke with Martin and Crawford before signing the letter.
“Based on the totality of the investigation, Ms. Urban and Ms. Ehrler left the minor child, first with an obviously inebriated man, and ultimately with someone they did not know,” the affidavit states. “This is believed to have posed a substantial risk of death or serious injury,” the affidavit states. .
Meanwhile, the campground manager learned of the arrangement and reported it to the police.
After an agreement was reached and no money was exchanged, Mr. Urban and Mr. Ehlers were taken into custody.
According to court records, Urban told detectives that he had a child with Martin and that they were “adopting” him.
Urban was released on Tuesday, September 24ththafter posting a $5,000 bond. Ehlers remains in custody at the Benton County Jail on $30,000 bail.
According to KNWABoth have criminal records.
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