A Missouri foster mother, aged 70, faces child abuse charges in a perplexing case involving rumors of a monkey trade.
Key Insights
- A 70-year-old Missouri foster mother has been charged with child abuse and endangerment related to a missing teen who was found in Texas.
- Authorities are investigating claims of a potential child-for-monkey trade.
- The foster mother has been jailed on a $250,000 bond, with an upcoming court appearance.
- Around 200 children have reportedly been in the foster mother’s care over the past two decades.
- The girl involved reported physical abuse and said she was not believed when seeking help.
Allegations and Investigation
A 70-year-old Missouri foster mother faces charges related to allegations of abuse and neglect after a missing teen was found in Texas. Authorities initiated an investigation when a school resource officer noticed the girl’s prolonged absences. Witnesses reported that the foster mother and a friend shared a fascination with exotic animals, and further allegations rose that the foster mother may have traded the teen girl for a monkey. Police are currently investigating this claim.
The teen reported that she suffered physical abuse at the hand of Deutsch and from January 1 to April 1, she was, per court documents, sent “to live at a house in Texas with unsanitary living conditions and without adequate supervision.” The girl reportedly said she attempted to get help, but no one believed her.
A mother is facing child abuse charges after someone reported she traded an adopted daughter to someone in Texas for a monkey. https://t.co/WXsi91SfSg
— FOX21 News (@FOX21News) April 10, 2025
Legal Proceedings and Revelations
The foster mother remains in custody on a $250,000 bond with an upcoming court date. Meanwhile, the Lincoln County prosecutor indicated the possibility of more charges as they uncover a history of alleged abuse spanning a decade. Despite over 200 hotline calls about the foster home, prior details remain sealed under Missouri confidentiality laws.
Reports describe the child experiencing severe neglect and maltreatment, including deprivations of food and clothing. Additionally, witnesses recounted seeing a monkey transported to Missouri following the alleged child trade, fueling further inquiry into the situation.
A Missouri woman is facing abuse charges amid allegations that she traded her foster child to someone in Texas in exchange for a monkey https://t.co/FDM4tKPhUU
— KVUE News (@KVUE) April 9, 2025
Systemic Concerns and Future Steps
As the investigation continues, concerns mount over potential systemic failures within child protective services. Questions arise about whether potential human trafficking occurred and how such allegations surfaced only now. The prosecutor’s office encourages any witnesses or former foster children to provide information that could elucidate this challenging case.
Sources
- Foster mom is charged with abuse as authorities investigate whether a girl was traded for a monkey
- Rumor of monkey trade for child leads to Missouri foster mom’s arrest
- Missouri foster mom to 200 is accused of trading a child for an exotic monkey
