LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. ( KTVI A long-time foster parent from Missouri is now facing child abuse allegations following a report that she exchanged her adopted daughter with someone in Texas for a monkey. Authorities have indicated that this case may be just the beginning, suggesting further complications could arise.
In a statement made on Sunday, Lincoln County’sProsecuting Attorney Mike Wood announced that a 70-year-old woman from Winfield, Missouri, had been taken into custody. The charges included neglect, abuse, and endangerment, all arising from what initially began as an investigation into a missing child who was subsequently found within the state of Texas.
"It's expected to be an extensive inquiry, which will require considerable time," Wood stated, adding that during the continuing investigation, the woman was detained as she had responsibility for other minors.
When the woman was arrested, two other kids were present in the house. Nevertheless, numerous previous foster children had lived there as well; reportedly, more than 200 hotline calls had been made to this address, according to Wood.
At the heart of this case lies a teenage girl who was placed in 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, the woman stands accused of repeatedly mistreating the child using items such as a paddle, wooden wall moldings, and footwear. Additionally, she reportedly took away the child’s clothing and failed to provide adequate nutrition.
The girl mentioned that she attempted to inform others about the situation, but nobody took her seriously.
Legal papers show that an unknown caller contacted social services in November with claims of mistreatment. According to officials, the Winfield School District flagged unusually high absenteeism concerning the child back in February.
That month, a school resource officer (SRO) received information regarding the child’s absence from school. Upon initiating 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 directly, who assured them everything was fine. The police then got in touch with a friend of the foster mother, believed to be housing the missing child at her place to separate herself from their difficulties; reportedly, they "weren’t getting along."
Wood pointed out that both the woman and her companion possess exotic animals. Additionally, it was mentioned that another individual was reportedly requested to transport the child to Texas with instructions to return with a monkey.
"We haven't confirmed that information yet, but it's 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 she was entrusted to someone else when the Missouri woman’s companion 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 teen has since gone back to Missouri.
The foster parent is being detained under a $250,000 bond that must be paid in cash only. 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 prosecuting attorney’s office, Wood mentioned additionally. Authorities are currently looking into this part of the case.
Wood highlighted that this process will take considerable time 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 cases of child abuse and neglect investigations are sealed and private according to Missouri legislation, with exceptions only in highly restricted situations (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 entities upon receiving a report that warrants an inquiry. The involved law enforcement organizations have the option to jointly investigate 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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