Authorities in Arkansas report that a couple attempted to sell their 2-month-old son in exchange for a six-pack of beer and cash.
Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, face allegations of one count each related to the welfare of a minor and an attempt to receive compensation for the relinquishment of a minor, as detailed in Benton County court records accessed by Law&Crime.
The alleged scheme involving alcohol and money was widely known among those involved — as well as others, according to authorities.
On September 21, an individual utilized the phone in the manager’s office at the Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground in Rogers to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, alleging that the parents attempted to exchange their baby for a six-pack of beer and subsequently requested $1,000 for the child, as detailed in a filed affidavit of probable cause.
Furthermore, it is claimed that a contract exists to substantiate this assertion.
“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 document reads. “Disclaimer: After signing this there will be no changing yall two’s minds and to never contact again.”
A deputy referenced in the affidavit noted that several witnesses present confirmed the questionable adoption procedure. The deputy reportedly acquired a cellphone video showing Urban and Ehlers signing the contract with the individual who intended to purchase their baby.
Authorities indicate that the driving force behind the attempted sale was the beverage in question.
Ehler reportedly went up to a couple’s camper and requested beer, a common practice for her, as stated in the affidavit. After the couple said no, the mother departed, but a man named Ricky Crawford proposed beer in return for taking care of the baby for the night.
Crawford, characterized by investigators as highly inebriated during his questioning, reportedly expressed worries about the baby’s safety and sought to remove him from Urban’s and Ehler’s custody for the night — a request they allegedly consented to, as stated in the affidavit.
“He asked if he could have the baby overnight and provided Urban and Ehlers with several cans of beer in exchange,” the affidavit reads. “Urban and Ehlers agreed and gave the baby along with a diaper bag to Crawford. He then brought the baby to Martin at another camper at the campground. Ehlers and Urban then came to the same camper and spoke to Martin and Crawford before signing the letter.”
Martin reportedly informed authorities that he was the individual who created the contract, stating that no funds had been exchanged at that point, but he intended to deliver a $1,000 check to the couple on September 23.
“Based on the totality of the investigation, it is believed both Urban and Ehler created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury by abandoning their minor child initially with an obviously intoxicated male and ultimately with someone they did not know,” a detective wrote in the affidavit.
Following their Miranda rights being read, the couple reportedly appeared quite calm regarding their intention to sell their child, according to law enforcement.
Martin mentioned that he had a conversation with the mother regarding her motivation for the possible transaction, as reported by law enforcement.
The campground owner eventually became aware of the deal and contacted emergency services, as reported by the sheriff’s office. A baby boy, reportedly exhibiting signs of neglect, has been transported to a hospital for care.
Urban and Ehlers have been placed under a bail of $50,000 each. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office records indicate that the boy’s father has been released, while his mother remains in custody.