Tuscarawas County authorities are investigating allegations that a 3-year-old child was offered for sale by her mother, who is reportedly homeless and struggling with mental health issues.
According to Detective Captain Adam Fisher of the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, a concerned family member contacted authorities on Jan. 2, reporting that the child had allegedly been offered to an individual the mother had met on Facebook. Detectives immediately responded to an address linked to the alleged purchaser, where they found the child safe.
“The mother was not at the home when deputies arrived but was contacted and arrived shortly thereafter,” Fisher said. Two individuals in the residence were found to have outstanding warrants, including the mother of the child.
The child was placed in the emergency custody of Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services and removed from the residence.
Fisher stated that, at this time, investigators have found no evidence that money was exchanged for the child. The incident remains under investigation, with a conference planned with the Tuscarawas County Prosecutor’s Office to determine potential charges.
No additional details were immediately available.
