LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. ( KTVI A long-time foster parent from Missouri is now facing child abuse allegations following reports that they exchanged an adopted daughter with someone based in Texas for a monkey. Officials have stated that this case may be "only the beginning" of what could come to light.
In a statement on Sunday, Lincoln County Prosecutor Mike Wood announced that a 70-year-old woman from Winfield had been taken into custody for charges related to neglect, abuse, and endangerment. These charges stemmed from an initial report about a missing child who was ultimately found in the state of Texas.
"It's expected to be an extensive inquiry, which will require considerable time," Wood stated, adding that due to the continuing investigation and the fact that other kids were in her custody, the woman was taken into police custody.
When the woman was arrested, there were two additional children in her care. It should be noted that numerous other foster children had lived at the residence before, with reportedly more than 200 hotline calls made to the address, according to Wood.
At the heart of this case is a teenage girl who was placed into foster care and later adopted by a woman from Missouri. This young lady has been under her guardianship for a minimum of four years.
In legal papers, she has faced allegations of repeatedly mistreating the child using items such as a paddle, wood trim from walls, and footwear. Additionally, it is claimed that she took away the child’s clothing and failed to provide sufficient nourishment.
The girl mentioned that she attempted to inform others about what was occurring, but nobody took her seriously.
Legal papers show that an unidentified caller contacted social services in November, claiming abuse had occurred. According to authorities, the Winfield School District reported unusual absenteeism concerning the child back in February.
That same month, a school resource officer (SRO) received information regarding the child’s absence from school. During their investigation, the school discovered that the child was located in Texas. The SRO also heard a rumor suggesting that the child had been traded to someone in exchange for a monkey.
According to Wood, a missing child report was subsequently submitted by the school.
Following communication with Texas law enforcement, the SRO managed to reach out to the child, who stated that she was fine. The police in Texas then contacted the foster mother’s acquaintance, reportedly housing the missing child at her place to keep their distances due to conflicts between them; they "weren’t getting along."
Wood pointed out that both the woman and her companion possess exotic animals. Additionally, it was mentioned that an eyewitness was reportedly instructed to travel with the child to Texas and return with a monkey.
"We haven't confirmed this information yet, but it is a claim that has been made and requires our investigation," he stated.
While the woman’s friend told authorities the child was staying in Texas because the foster mother did not want her back, the woman told investigators that she had purchased a plane ticket for the child’s return, but her friend was unable to bring the child to the airport.
The child was eventually handed over to Child Protective Services in Texas after being entrusted to someone else when the Missouri woman’s acquaintance was not around.
Wood stated over the weekend that the child remains under the guardianship of Texas CPS; however, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday that the young person has since gone back to Missouri.
The foster parent is required to post a $250,000 cash-only bond. Her appearance in court is set for next week.
Even though there were reportedly hotlines calls placed to the woman’s residence in Winfield, no police reports were ever submitted to the prosecutor’s office, Wood mentioned additionally. Authorities are currently looking into this part of the case.
Wood highlighted that this process will be protracted as additional information comes to light, and he anticipates further indictments being brought forward. This situation has likewise sparked inquiries into potential oversights throughout the proceedings.
"If a malfunction occurred within the system, where did it happen and what steps should be taken to address it?" Wood stated when addressing these issues. He urges individuals affected to reach out to his office via phone number (636) 528-6300.
A representative from the Missouri Department of Social Services stated via email that "details concerning particular inquiries into suspected child abuse and neglect cases are sealed and private as per Missouri state laws, with exceptions only occurring under narrowly defined conditions (refer to §210.150 RSMo)."
The representative further stated, "According to Missouri legislation, the Department of Social Services is required to notify relevant law enforcement bodies once they receive a report that warrants an inquiry. The involved law enforcement entities have the option to collaborate on the investigation or offer additional support."
The Department of Social Services has urged individuals who believe they have witnessed child abuse or neglect to contact their 24-hour free helpline at 1-800-392-3738.
The Associated Press provided contributions to this report.
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