In a disturbing case out of Jacksonville, Florida, a 32-year-old mother has been arrested on charges of child abuse and selling or surrendering a minor for money after she allegedly tried to sell her 10-year-old daughter for sex on multiple occasions.
Jacksonville police said a teacher reported she was dropping off food at a shelter when the mother approached her and said, “Take her… give me $20.”
The shocking incident first came to light when a kindergarten teacher reported that the mother approached her outside a homeless shelter and said “Take her with you, give me $20, you can have her,” referring to her young daughter.
Police began investigating and spoke to a man who claimed the mother had also propositioned him, offering to let him have sex with her 10-year-old daughter for just $5. Authorities say the man did not initially report the incident to police.
When officers located the child, they found her in an appalling condition – “crying, hungry, and looking like she had not bathed in days,” according to a police press release. She was described as “severely lethargic” and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment and monitoring.
The mother was arrested on felony charges of child abuse and selling or surrendering a minor. Detectives are continuing to investigate the case alongside the FBI. The incident has also been referred to child protective services and the state attorney’s office.
Police have not released the mother’s name to protect the identity of the young victim, who is now said to be in a safe environment as the legal case proceeds.
“This is a sad reminder that human trafficking does happen in our community,” Officer Christian Hancock told reporters. “It often goes unreported.”
The disturbing allegations underscore the harsh realities that some children face and the critical importance of reporting suspected abuse or exploitation. If you witness anything similar, you can make an anonymous report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/.
Sources: Florida Mother Accused of Offering Men Sex With
2. Woman charged, accused of trying to sell child for $20
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