Arkansas Couple Arrested for Attempting to Sell Infant for $1,000 and Beer

An Arkansas couple has been arrested and charged with felony endangerment and attempting to accept compensation for relinquishing a minor after allegedly trying to sell their two-month-old baby to a man at a campground for $1,000 and a six-pack of beer.

An Arkansas couple, Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, have been arrested and charged with felony endangerment and attempting to accept compensation for relinquishing a minor. The charges stem from an alleged incident at a campground where the couple reportedly attempted to sell their two-month-old baby to a man for $1,000 and a six-pack of beer.

Arkansas Couple Arrested for Attempting to Sell Infant for $1,000 and Beer

The Benton County Sheriff's Office received a call on September 21 from the manager of the Hide Away Campground, who reported that the couple "tried to give up the baby for a 6-pack of beer and then wanted $1,000 for the baby," according to an affidavit.

The couple reportedly signed a letter granting custody of their child to the man, who attempted to purchase the baby. The letter included a disclaimer that the child could not be returned.

Arkansas Couple Arrested for Attempting to Sell Infant for $1,000 and Beer

Witnesses corroborated the attempted adoption, according to the affidavit. The child was found in need of medical attention when a deputy arrived at the scene. The deputy called emergency medical services to transport the baby to a hospital for evaluation for signs of neglect. The child is currently in the care of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

A witness testified that she discovered a strong ammonia and fecal odor coming from the baby, who had a dirty diaper. The witness changed the baby's diaper and noticed severe diaper rash, blisters, and swelling, which she documented with photographs.

Arkansas Couple Arrested for Attempting to Sell Infant for $1,000 and Beer

A deputy reportedly obtained cellphone video of Urban and Ehlers signing the contract with the man attempting to purchase their baby, according to the affidavit.

Witnesses reported that a campground resident, Ricky Crawford, had earlier visited Urban and Ehlers and offered to take the baby for the night in exchange for several cans of beer.

Arkansas Couple Arrested for Attempting to Sell Infant for $1,000 and Beer

Crawford, who appeared heavily intoxicated during his interview with a deputy, said he was concerned about the baby's well-being and wanted to take the child out of Urban's and Ehlers' care for the night. The couple agreed to this arrangement.

Martin told deputies he had drawn up the contract and while no money had been exchanged yet, he planned to bring the couple a $1,000 check on September 23. "They stated they offered to surrender the baby to Martin in exchange for $1,000 in cash," the affidavit reads.

"They stated Martin created an agreement that they videotaped to ensure it was legal and they planned to 'legalize' it on Monday. They both stated they then left on the understanding the baby was given to Martin in exchange for $1,000 to be collected on Monday."

Martin said he spoke to the mother about her reason for the potential surrendering of her child. "Martin stated she said it was not working having three dogs and a baby," the affidavit reads.

Urban was released on a $50,000 bond while Ehlers remains in custody in the Benton County Jail on a $30,000 bail. Last year, Urban created a GoFundMe in which he said he and Ehlers were struggling financially after the birth of their first child.