A young Arkansas couple is accused of trying to sell their 2-month-old baby for a six-pack of beer and money, according to court documents.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed in court, on Sept. 21, the Benton County Sheriff's Office received a call from a caller who reported that the infant's parents had offered to trade the baby for a six-pack of beer and cash. I received it. case. The call was reportedly made from the manager's office at Beaver Lake Hideaway Campground in Rogers.
“Disclaimer: After signing this, neither of us will change our minds and we will never contact you again.”
Charlene Ehlers, 20, approached another couple's camper and asked for a beer, according to the affidavit. This was said to be an everyday occurrence. The couple reportedly declined, but a man named Ricky Crawford allegedly offered them beer in exchange for watching over the baby overnight. Ehlers and the child's father, Darien Urban, 21, accepted the offer and gave Crawford a diaper bag, according to court documents.
When questioned by detectives, Crawford allegedly stated that he was worried about the baby's safety and wanted to separate the child from its parents. The affidavit states that Crawford was “severely intoxicated” when interviewed by police.
“Based on the totality of the investigation, both Urban and Ehlers were able to conceive of an underage child, first with an obviously intoxicated man, and ultimately with another person,” a detective wrote in an affidavit. “It is believed that the vehicle was abandoned and posed a serious risk of death or serious injury.” I don't understand. ”
Crawford allegedly took the toddler to another camper where Cody Nathaniel Martin was staying.
The father and mother met with Martin, according to court documents.
The three reportedly drew up a “contract” to sell the baby to Martin for $1,000.
“I, Darian Urban and Charlene Ehlers, sign the rights to carry our baby boy, Cody Nathaniel Martin.” [redacted] Sold on September 21, 2024 for $1,000. ” document Read.
The “contract'' contained the following clauses: “Disclaimer: After signing this, neither of us will change our minds and we will never contact you again.”
The signing of the contract was reportedly witnessed by multiple people and recorded on cell phone video.
law and crime According to the report, the affidavit states, “They said they offered to turn over the baby to Martin in exchange for $1,000 in cash. They said Martin made the agreement and He videotaped it to confirm it was legal and said he planned to 'legalize' it on Monday.” Both said they left with the understanding that they would give the baby to Martin in exchange for the $1,000 they would collect Monday. ”
Martin claimed he asked the mother why she was trying to sell the baby.
“Mr. Martin stated that having three dogs and a baby was not working out for him,” the affidavit states.
The campground owner learned of the transaction and called 911, according to the sheriff's office.
Mr. Urban and Mr. Ehlers were arrested and both were given bail of $50,000.
According to Benton County, both men were charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to accept an accommodation to release a minor for adoption. court record. Both charges are felonies.
Benton County Sheriff's Office records show Mr. Urban was released, but Mr. Ehlers remained in custody.
Another camper who saw the baby and changed its diaper told investigators that the baby had a “terrible ammonia and fecal odor” and had “severe rashes, blisters, and swelling on the baby's bottom and genitals.” He is said to have told
The boy was taken to the hospital.
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