Woman accused of trying to sell child by e-mail

Associated Press

A woman was arrested on suspicion of trying to sell her 8-year-old adopted Russian daughter for $4,000 through an e-mail, authorities said Monday.

Denise K. Thomas was arrested Friday for investigation for criminal attempted trafficking in children and released, authorities said.

"What she was really trying to do was set up a private adoption to avoid the bureaucracy and regulations required around that issue. But yes, the bottom line was she was trying to sell the child," said Undersheriff Grayson Robinson.

The girl had not been abused, he said. She was placed in a foster home.

The proposed sale was uncovered Friday when sheriff's deputies were contacted by a Texas couple who said they had received an e-mail from a woman offering to sell the girl in a "private adoption."

Mrs. Thomas, 42, is married and lives with her husband and biological 14-year-old son.