Mother Faces Charges After Alleged Attempt to Sell Infant for Cash
A 33-year-old mother from Iowa has been taken into custody following shocking allegations that she tried to sell her one-month-old baby to a stranger for $10,000. Tiffany Christina Smith of Oskaloosa was arrested last week after an incident that occurred in August, with court documents revealing disturbing details of the purported transaction.
Alleged Transaction and Text Message Evidence
According to a criminal complaint obtained by authorities, Smith allegedly brought her infant child to a family member of a potential buyer, who then cared for the baby for approximately two and a half hours. The complaint, submitted by Officer Cale Holmberg, states that Smith subsequently demanded $10,000 or threatened to take her child back. The infant was eventually returned to her custody.
Text messages provided to law enforcement by the potential buyer reportedly discussed "exchanging the child for money" according to court documents. Officer Holmberg noted in the complaint that "In the text messages, the defendant knew that a transaction for the child would be illegal."
Financial Motivation and Questioning
During police questioning, Smith allegedly admitted to struggling financially and needing monetary assistance. "The defendant indicated that she needed financial help when questioned about the sale of her child," Holmberg wrote in the complaint. Following this interrogation, the child was removed from Smith's care by the Department of Human Services.
Authorities also seized Smith's phone via warrant, discovering text messages between her and her mother that were "pertaining to the case." It remains unclear whether the child is now in the custody of relatives or Child Protective Services.
Criminal History and Current Legal Proceedings
Smith's arrest has brought to light her extensive criminal record. In 2011 alone, she was found guilty of:
- Domestic abuse with intent or displaying a weapon
- Violating a no-contact or protective order
- Fighting or violent behavior
Additional charges from subsequent years include:
- Possession of marijuana (2016, 2017, 2020)
- Violation of probation (2016, 2017, 2020)
- Operating while under the influence (2020)
Smith was initially held at Mahaska County Jail on a $10,000 surety bond but posted bail and was released on Sunday. She is scheduled to appear in court on February 2 for a preliminary hearing.
Legal Process and Investigation Status
Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Ritland explained that current procedures involve filing trial information instead of seeking a grand jury indictment, with final court charges expected by March 9. "Ultimately we are going to rely on the court process and a jury to determine whether the defendant is guilty of these charges," Ritland stated.
Notably, there are currently no charges against the potential buyer involved in the alleged incident, as the investigation continues. Smith's court-appointed defense attorney, Ken Duker, has declined to comment at this time.
The case has drawn significant attention from local authorities, with further information being sought from both the Marion County Sheriff's Department and the Mahaska County Clerk's Office as the legal proceedings advance.
