An Arkansas couple is facing numerous charges for allegedly trying to sell their newborn baby. Court records obtained by Law&Crime detail the charges against Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, which include endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to accept consideration for relinquishment of a minor.
On September 21, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a manager at Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground in Rogers stating the Urban and Ehlers were trying to sell their two-month-old child to a drunken neighbor in exchange for a six-pack of beer and $1,000.
Their neighbor, Ricky Crawford, was concerned about his welfare and agreed to take the child. He brought the boy to the camper of Cody Nathaniel Martin, who wrote up an adoption letter formalizing the couple’s intention to hand over their child.
“I Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers are signing our rights over to Cody Nathaniel Martin of our baby boy [redacted] for $1,000 on 09/21/2024.” the letter said. “Disclaimer: After signing this there will be no changing yall two’s minds and to never contact again.”
Investigators said there was a video showing Urban and Ehlers signing the contract.
When deputies arrived at the campsite, they located the couple and found the baby, who needed medical attention. The child was taken to the hospital, while Urban and Ehlers were taken into custody.
They are both being held on a $50,000 bond.
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