Mother charged with selling baby for clothes and cash, police say
ARKANSAS – A 20-year-old mother from Cordova, Alabama, has been charged with relinquishing a minor for adoption, a Class C felony, in Washington County, Arkansas.
Washington County authorities were alerted earlier this month by a family member who reported that the mother, identified as Amber Booth, had traveled to Arkansas and sold the baby. According to the arrest report, when attempts were made to retrieve the child, a woman in Elkins, Arkansas, refused to return the baby, claiming Booth had signed documents granting them custody.
Booth reportedly told investigators that the woman was only supposed to care for the baby for a few weeks. The arrest report also indicates that Booth informed a deputy that money was offered but “she didn’t take it.” However, Booth allegedly told another deputy that “she received several off-brand clothing items and $50 cash for the child.”
A deputy stated that the documents were insufficient for legal custody, prompting state authorities to intervene.
