A couple from Northwest Arkansas has been arrested after allegedly attempting to sell their baby boy for $1,000 and beer at a campground in Rogers, according to court documents. The couple, identified as Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, had been living at the Beaver Lake Hide Away Campground for three months.
Baby Taken to Hospital, Couple Released on Bond
Authorities were alerted to the incident on September 21 after someone reported that the couple was trying to give away their baby in exchange for money and beer. The child was reportedly suffering from rashes and blisters on his buttocks and genitals, leading to concerns for his well-being.
Witnesses Intervene, Baby Taken to Hospital
One witness, a man at the campground, approached the couple and offered to take the baby overnight. In exchange, he gave the couple beers. Another witness, a woman, also took the baby, changed his diaper, and bathed him, capturing photos of the blisters to present to authorities.
When deputies arrived, the couple was not present, and the baby was taken to a children’s hospital. Inside the couple’s camper, deputies discovered a signed letter from the couple, agreeing to hand over their parental rights for $1,000. The letter, allegedly signed by Urban and Ehlers, stated, “After signing this there will be no changing yall two’s minds and to never contact again.”
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Detectives also obtained video footage of the couple signing the letter. During questioning, Urban and Ehlers claimed that the child was being adopted and that the video was made to finalize the process. Despite their claims, the couple was arrested on charges of felony endangering the welfare of a child and attempted relinquishment of a minor for adoption.
The couple was released on $50,000 bond each and is scheduled to appear in court on October 29. Further details about the baby’s condition remain undisclosed.
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