US couple accused of trying to sell their baby for $1,000 and beer

A northwest Arkansas couple is accused of trying to sell their baby boy for $1,000 and beer, according to court documents in the criminal case. As detailed in an affidavit from the Benton County Sheriff's Office, the alleged crime occurred at a campground in Rogers, where 21-year-old Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers have been living with their baby for about three months. Rogers is located in the Ozarks near the Oklahoma and Missouri borders.

The baby's condition was not immediately known as of Thursday.

According to the affidavit of USA TODAYOn Sept. 21, officers were called to the Beaver Lake Hide Away Campground after a report from someone in the manager's office claimed the couple was trying to give away their baby in exchange for money and beer. The caller also told authorities that the baby needed medical attention due to the observed rashes and blisters on the buttocks and genitals.

When officers arrived, an investigator noted in the affidavit that the couple was not present and the baby was taken to a children's hospital.

The affidavit states that a witness approached the couple's RV, asked to take the baby with them overnight and provided the couple with beer. The man told officers that the couple agreed and he took the baby out of concern for his well-being.

Another witness, a woman at the campsite, also took the baby, changed his diaper and bathed him. She took photos of the blisters and rash to present to authorities.

At the scene, officers found a letter allegedly signed by the couple in which they agreed to accept a cashier's check for $1,000 on Monday in exchange for the child. The letter said: “I, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers sign over our rights to our baby boy to Cody Nathaniel Martin.” [redacted] for $1,000 on 9/21/2024,” the letter states. “Disclaimer: Once signed, there will be no change for either of you and you will never contact again.”

Investigators also obtained cell phone video showing both parents signing the letter.

During their interview with investigators, the couple claimed their baby was “in adoption” and said they recorded the video because they wanted to finalize the adoption on Monday, the affidavit said.

Officers arrested the couple and booked them into the local jail on felony endangering the welfare of a child and attempting to place a minor for adoption. A judge set bail at $50,000 for each.

Court and jail records show both defendants were released Thursday.

The parents are scheduled to appear in court on October 29.