JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - A southwest Missouri woman has been charged with trying to swap another woman's baby for a used car.
The Joplin Globe reported that 44-year-old Lana Y. Banks of Oronogo (OH-ruh-noh-goh) surrendered Friday morning at the Jasper County Jail in Carthage on a felony charge of trafficking in children. The charge was filed March 22.
She was released after posting a $2,500 surety bond and $1,000 cash bond. Her phone number wasn't listed and no attorney was listed for her on online court records.
A probable-cause affidavit says Banks told the prospective adoptive parents Jan. 13 that they could be allowed to adopt an unborn child another woman was carrying in exchange for a car worth at least $3,000. The couple reportedly told Banks the swap was illegal.
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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com