At a campground in Arkansas, a couple allegedly attempted to exchange their two-month-old baby boy for beer and money.
On September 21, an incident occurred at the Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground in Rogers when a couple reportedly sought alcohol from another camper that they had previously asked on several occasions. When their request was denied, a heavily intoxicated individual offered to give them beer in exchange for letting him take care of their two-month-old baby overnight. He was concerned about the infant, so he agreed to keep the baby temporarily.
The parents reportedly accepted, but the situation escalated when the baby was handed over to another man at a different camper at the campground. According to reports, the parents agreed to sign over their parental rights in exchange for $1,000 and beer and signed a written contract. It said that once the agreement was signed, the parents would have no further contact with the child.
The police were notified about the incident and talked to several witnesses at the campground. Their stories corroborated the events, and the authorities allegedly got their hands on video evidence of the couple signing the contract. The man who drew up the document confirmed his involvement but mentioned that no money had been exchanged. He told the couple that he would give them a $1,000 check at a later date.
Both parents were taken into custody, and they are each facing preliminary charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to accept consideration for relinquishment of a minor. They were both held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
The baby, who reportedly showed signs of neglect, was taken to a hospital for medical care.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.