Most people believe that the practice of selling babies only happens in thrid world countries. Most people would believe that this can not occur in the United States. However, this past weekend showed us that an American is capabale of selling a child, just like any other person from a third country would do. This past weekend in Daytona Beach, a grandmother and her boyfriend were arrested for attempting to sell an 8 week old boy for $75,000. However before the arrest, the agents working on the case were able to talk her down to $30,000.
This is not isolated incident. This happens all oer the U.S, more often that we would like to admit that it does. Most ot the time, these types of cases do not make it into the media in order to protect the child. We need to continue raising awareness on this issue. We need to speak up and let out lawmakers know that we need stronger laws to protect our children. There are too many loopholes in our child welfare system.
I am happy to hear that this child is safe.
Cops: Grandma Offers To Sell Grandson For $75K
Posted: 5:41 pm EDT November 5, 2010
Updated: 12:55 pm EST November 8, 2010
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A 44-year-old grandmother who tried to sell her 8-week-old grandson was given $100,000 bond during her first appearance Saturday morning.
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Patty Bigbee of Holly Hill was arrested Friday afternoon. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said Bigbee approached someone in October and offered to sell the infant for $75,000. After a series of negotiations, the price for the purchase of the baby was agreed upon at $30,000.
Bigbee and the prospective buyer met to complete the sale shortly after 4:00pm Friday in Daytona Beach. At the transaction, FDLE agents arrested Bigbee and turned the infant over to the care of the Department of Children and Families.
A tip led detectives to Bigbee. According to investigators, Bigbee and her boyfriend, 42-year-old Lawrence Works, may have used the internet to find the buyer. Works also made his first appearance Saturday morning. His bond was set at $50,000.
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The child’s mother, Stephannie Bigbee-Davis is in jail in Manatee County on unrelated charges of organized fraud. The Florida Department of Children and Families said in court Saturday that it could not contact the baby’s father. The judge said the child will remain in protective custody until different arrangements can be made.
Bigbee did not say anything to WFTV as she was hauled off to the Volusia County Jail Friday night on charges of illegal sale or surrender of a child as well as communication fraud.
Sources told WFTV that Bigbee has been involved before in giving away babies and extorting people for money.
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