On March 21, a 27-year-old Tennessee woman was arrested due to an outstanding warrant for child neglect and aggravated child abuse. Shortly thereafter, her boyfriend was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. As a result, the couple's two children were placed in the care of the woman's grandmother. For one daughter, this was relocation did not last long.
The man posted his own bail, but was not able to post bail for his partner. He attempted to get bail money from the grandmother. When she was unwilling or unable to provide it, he took the couple's six-year-old daughter and sought to sell her for $1,500.
The grandmother was communicating with police when the offer was made. They suggested that she accept the offer and arrange to meet the man at the bank. On March 27, the man was arrested outside the bank. He is charged with a felony arising out of the attempted sale and is being held on $16,000 bond. The girlfriend did not make bail and remained in jail.
In any custody dispute, a judge must determine what is in the best interests of the child. Criminal convictions, including those related to drugs or child abuse, can count against a parent. Any behavior that reflects upon a parent's fitness to take care of a child - such as attempting to sell the child - will also be considered. A family law attorney may be able to help parents seeking custody argue what the best interests are, and which parent is better able to care for children.
Source: Starcasm.net, "Dad tries to sell daughter for $1,500 for girlfriend's bail," Hannah Rose, March 31, 2013