Rogers, AR – A couple in Arkansas has faced legal consequences for attempting to sell their baby for a six-pack of beer. Darien Urban, 22, pleaded guilty to accepting compensation for adoption and received a sentence of three years in prison, with three years suspended.
Shalene Ehlers, 21, accepted a plea regarding two counts against her and received a lighter sentence, being placed on six years of state-supervised probation.
The couple’s actions were first reported earlier this month at Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground, where they allegedly offered their six-month-old child in exchange for cash and alcohol.
Witnesses reported that Urban and Ehlers tried to give the baby to a man who had offered beer. They signed a contract stating they were surrendering their parental rights in exchange for $1,000.
According to an affidavit, multiple witnesses confirmed the attempted sale, which included a recording of the two signing the contract. The couple was said to have had discussions about exchanging the baby for the promised money.
A call to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office prompted a response from deputies, leading to the baby being taken from the alleged sellers. The child, showing signs of neglect, was subsequently transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Neither parent is permitted to contact their child, now a toddler, following plea agreements. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as both Urban and Ehlers face ongoing repercussions from their actions.
