Three people from North Carolina are facing criminal charges after a mom allegedly gave her baby to a couple last year in exchange for a 1992 Plymouth.
In July 2019, a 2-year-old child was brought to the hospital by 47-year-old Tina Chavis, and the youngster reportedly had bruises on her body. The hospital staff reported the marks on the girl to the police, in addition to child protective services, and an investigation was opened.
When the authorities talked to Chavis, she at first allegedly said she was the girl’s mother and afterward explained that she and her husband, 53-year-old Vicenio Mendoza Romero, had adopted the child.
When asked, Chavis and Romero were reportedly unable to produce any paperwork or documentation to prove that they had legally adopted the child.
Police tried to find the child’s biological mother and located 45-year-old Alice Todd, who they believed was the mom of the young girl that Chavis and Romero said they adopted.
The authorities purported that Romero and Chavis, who reportedly owned a 1992 Plymouth Laser and transferred ownership to Todd last year, had accepted the baby as payment for the vehicle.
During a news interview, a neighbor of Chavis and Romero said that the youngster appeared well taken care of, and she displayed the signs of a happy child.
Todd, Chavis, and Romero have each been charged for suspicion of unlawful sale, surrender, or purchase of a minor for the alleged illegal automobile transaction. They were booked into the Davidson County Jail on a $50,000 bond each.
All three suspects have been issued an October 21 court date in regards to the charges.
The young girl was reported as being placed in the care of a family member.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.