Infant offered for sale on Florida Craigslist, state investigating

MIAMI — Florida officials are trying to figure out who recently posted a Craigslist ad purporting to want to sell a newborn child for $500 US.

“Baby is 2 weeks old. It sleeps, don’t make noise at night,” the ad read. “Formula and clothes will give it to you. Can give you the baby 4 year old sister for free.”

Investigators are unsure whether the ad was a crude hoax, or someone actually trying to sell a child online. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched the probe soon after the ad was posted to the popular classifieds website.

The person behind the post claimed to live in a “quiet influential neighbourhood” and to work for “the department of children and families.”

“I don’t wanna be judged for not wanting these kids,” the post read.

A spokeswoman declined to give specifics about the case. “We do have an active investigation that started last Friday,” she said.

The Florida Department of Children and Families did not respond to a request for comment. Craigslist also did not return a request for comment.

Law-enforcement officials interviewed one woman they suspected might have behind the post. She denied any involvement. Investigators are now waiting on computer records that might help them identify the poster.

It’s unclear what, if any, Florida law might be broken by posting an online ad trying to sell a child.

Craigslist, usually used for hawking everything from rental apartments, cars and furniture, has been pilloried in the past for allowing “escort” and “dating” posts, which critics say emboldens the trafficking of underage victims. The site has since stopped running the ads.

But cases involving the trade of newborn babies are rare.