JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 32-year-old mother was arrested on third-degree felonies after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office received several reports about the mother allegedly trying to sell her 10-year-old daughter in downtown Jacksonville.
A kindergarten teacher was dropping off food at a nearby homeless shelter when the mother approached her and told her to “Take her with you. Give me $20. You can have her,” according to police.
Another man told investigators that when the mother spoke to him, she offered her daughter for sex in exchange for $5.
JSO noted that the man did not report the incident until officers approached him.
When the mother was arrested, the 10-year-old was crying, hungry and “looked like she had not bathed in days,” JSO said.
The girl was taken to the hospital for treatment and temporarily placed in a safe environment as the investigation continues.
News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney said when people attempt to sell their children, it’s usually because they’re trying to get money to support their drug habit.
“There are cases throughout the county of this kind of thing and it focuses on the drug abuse part of it. They’re so desperate for the next hit they’ll sell anything. And here is a case this woman is willing to sell her own child,” Hackney said.
The mother, who was not named to protect the child’s identity, was charged with selling or surrendering minor for money or property and child abuse.
JSO is investigating along with the FBI. The case has also been referred to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Child Protection Team (CPT), and the State Attorney’s Office’s Special Assault Division.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you’re urged to call 904-630-0500. You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 88-373-7888 to remain anonymous.