Unbelievable Allegation: Texas Find Linked to Foster Mom’s Monkey Trade

Brenda Ruth Deutsch, a 70-year-old woman from Missouri, has been charged with three felonies: child abuse, child endangerment, and child neglect in Texas. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Deutsch, a longtime foster mother, is accused of trading a foster child for a monkey. Yes, you read that correctly—a grown woman allegedly exchanged a child for an animal. Michael Wood, the Lincoln County prosecutor, stated that an investigation is underway to determine whether Deutsch's actions constitute a criminal trade involving a child and an animal.​

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Texas Investigation Unravels: Missing Girl Located, Monkey Trade Suspicions Rise

The child in question has not been located and is still missing. As of now, her/his exact whereabouts remain unknown. This does not necessarily mean that Deutsch traded the child for a monkey, but the public is eager to know where the child is.​Prosecutor Michael Wood mentioned that at least two individuals have come forward with information about the transportation of the monkey back to Missouri after the child was delivered. Wood added, "We will have to investigate further to determine whether this was a trade involving a child or if it does not rise to the level of trafficking."​

Foster Mom in Custody After Missing Girl Found in Texas, Monkey Trade Link Explored

Before Deutsch's arrest, more than 200 hotline calls had been made to the Missouri Department of Social Services' Children's Division. Documents obtained by NBC News indicate that Deutsch allegedly struck the child, causing bleeding, and used various objects to abuse her. A statement filed by the sheriff's office on Monday also reported that Deutsch gave away the teen's clothes as a form of punishment.