A foster mother from Winfield, Missouri, has been arrested and charged with child abuse and endangerment amid a disturbing investigation into allegations that she traded her adopted daughter for a monkey and mistreated other children under her care. Brenda Deutsch, aged 70, has remained in jail since her arrest over the weekend, with a bond set at $US250,000 (approximately $407,000). Her next court date is scheduled for Tuesday.
As the investigation unfolds, it has been revealed that Deutsch has been involved as a foster or adoptive parent to around 200 children over the past decade. The local prosecutor, Mike Wood, indicated that reports of physical and emotional abuse have emerged from some of these children, similar to the experiences recounted by the teenage girl at the centre of the current case.
The teenage girl reportedly disclosed to authorities that she had been subjected to various forms of physical punishment, including beatings with wooden trim, shoes, and a paddle. She indicated attempts to report her mistreatment went unheard. The situation came to light when a school resource officer noticed the girl frequently absent from classes, leading to an investigation that uncovered rumours suggesting she may have been traded for an exotic animal.
Following this information, authorities in Texas were contacted, and child welfare officials there took the girl into protective custody. She is now reportedly thriving in a group home environment. Wood noted that Deutsch and the woman currently caring for the girl in Texas are acquainted through their shared interest in exotic animals. Witnesses have claimed that there were discussions about sending the girl to Texas in exchange for a monkey.
Investigators are working to determine whether this was a serious proposal or merely a jest, with at least two witnesses corroborating the exchange narrative. Wood commented on the seriousness of the situation, highlighting previous human trafficking cases and emphasizing that they are treating the matter with utmost urgency.
While the teenager has stated that she was not forced into labour or subjected to sexual abuse while in Texas, she did mention her living conditions were unsatisfactory and lacked proper supervision. The woman in Texas indicated she had taken the girl in to allow for a respite between the child and her adoptive mother. However, when questioned, this woman expressed her reluctance to continue housing the girl, stating that Deutsch had failed to facilitate the girl’s return.
As the investigation continues, further legal actions are anticipated against Deutsch, as authorities seek to unravel the complexities of this troubling case.