Arkansas Couple Arrested for Trying to Sell Baby for Beer and $1,000

An Arkansas couple is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to sell their 2-month-old baby boy in exchange for beer and money, according to local law enforcement. Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, have been charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to exchange parental rights for compensation, per Benton County court records.

Where Did This Exchange Happen?

The incident reportedly took place at Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground in Rogers on September 21. A concerned individual called the Benton County Sheriff's Office, claiming the couple had attempted to give away their baby for a six-pack of beer and later requested $1,000 in exchange for the infant, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Located in northwestern Arkansas, near the Oklahoma border, Rogers was once home to the first Walmart store. However, authorities say the transaction that unfolded at the campground that day was far from lawful.

The Wrote Up A Sketchy Contract

According to the affidavit, Urban and Ehlers even signed a handwritten contract, stating they would relinquish their parental rights to a man named Cody Nathaniel Martin in exchange for $1,000. Multiple witnesses confirmed the agreement, and law enforcement reportedly obtained cellphone footage of the contract signing.

“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.”

How Did This Interaction Happen?

The situation began when Ehlers approached another camper to ask for beer. After being turned down, a man named Ricky Crawford offered beer in exchange for allowing him to keep the baby overnight. Crawford, who was described as highly intoxicated during his interview with deputies, reportedly stated he was concerned for the baby’s well-being and wanted to protect him.

The couple agreed and handed over their child, along with a diaper bag. Crawford then took the baby to Martin, who was staying at another camper. Urban and Ehlers later arrived at the camper to discuss the terms of the transaction and allegedly signed the contract.

Martin admitted to drawing up the contract but said no money had yet been exchanged. He planned to give the couple a $1,000 check on September 23, according to the affidavit.

What Investigators Have To Say

Investigators believe the parents put their child at significant risk by leaving him with Crawford, who was intoxicated, and later with Martin, whom they barely knew.

After being read their rights, Urban and Ehlers reportedly acknowledged their intentions to sell the child. They stated that they had videotaped the contract signing, believing it would make the agreement legal.

Authorities said the couple's reasoning for the attempted sale, as told to Martin, was that it was too difficult to manage three dogs and a baby.

The campground owner learned of the situation and contacted authorities. The baby, who showed signs of neglect, was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Urban and Ehlers were both arrested, with bail set at $50,000. While Urban has since been released, Ehlers remains in custody, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office records.