Mum arrested for trying to sell four-month old baby
A mother has been arrested after allegedly posting a classified ad to sell her four-month old baby for $4,000.
Authorities in Dallas, USA, were alerted of the advertisement after would-be buyer Megan Heichelbeck backed out of the deal to adopt a baby for a price.
Heichelbeck said the woman was genuine in her attempts to find someone who would take care of the baby.
"She was very honest about all that. I don't think she had any intention of sending him anywhere," she said.
When managers of the mother's apartment came to collect rent, the boy was found alone in his crib while his mother was nowhere to be seen.
After arriving home a short time later, the mother was charged with child abandonment and four-month old Eden was taken to Child Protective Services.
Neighbours reported seeing the woman struggling to cope with various issues, watching on as she was arrested.
"I saw her when she was pregnant, and she just seemed to be very depressed, always alone sitting on the stairway," said Latonia Smith.
"I just think it's a very sad situation, and I'm glad that the baby is safe and away from those people."
Although it is not clear whether it is the same child, another advertisement offering a baby of the same age was also discovered on the PennySaverUSA website for $6,500.
The advertisement reads:
"...in search of an great family for my son. He is four months old and he is African American and Hispanic,' the advertisement states.
"I can no longer care for him the way he needs to be. We are living in a women's shelter now.
"I'm working with an adoption agency so there is an adoption fee they have set up. I believe its $6,500. Thank you and God bless."
Police won't reveal the mother's identity until she is officially booked into jail. Her son remains in the custody of Child Protection Services.
