Florida Mother Abandons 18-Month-Old After Attempting to Sell Toddler at Store, Police Say

A mother in Florida has been arrested after she allegedly tried to sell her daughter for $500 and then abandoned the baby when the person refused, according to authorities.

On March 5, Jessica Woods, 33, was loitering outside a local business in Palatka with her 18-month-old daughter, the Palatka Police Department said.

Authorities claim an anonymous employee of the business noticed Woods frequenting the area and asked if she needed any help, but Woods declined assistance.

Woods then allegedly attempted to sell her baby to the individual for $500, but they refused the offer. Woods then reportedly walked away and left her daughter outside the business.

The individual took the child to the police department and provided officers with information regarding the alleged incident.

Police and the department’s victim advocate cared for the baby until the Department of Children and Families took custody of the toddler. The child has been placed in foster care, officials said.

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Authorities obtained a warrant for Woods’ arrest on charges of child abuse, child neglect, and abandonment of a child.

On March 7, officers apprehended Woods and she was booked into the Putnam County Jail.