Texas Mom Arrested Offering Son's Adoption On Craigslist, Out On Bail
A woman in Texas who was arrested and charged for attempting to offer her child up for adoption on Craigslist was released from jail Wednesday after posting a $1,000 bond.
Stephanie Christine Redus, 29, of Huffman, a city near Houston, was arrested earlier this month and charged with a misdemeanor offense for illegally advertising for the placement of a child after she posted an ad on Craigslist seeking individuals interested in adopting her 3-year-old son, according to reports.
The ad, posted on May 1st, read "Hi, I'm trying to adopt out my three year old son. I'm not in a good place in my life and don't feel like I can care for him properly, but I don't know where to start. If you or know anyone who is interested in caring for him please let me know. I'm a single mom and I can't do this." The posting was signed, "Thanks, Desperate."
A police officer in Houston came across the posting and in response the Houston Police Department subpoenaed Craigslist, ordering the site to release the information it had on the person responsible for placing the ad. A database search indicated that Redus was the guilty party.
Police interviewed Redus on May 9 about her placement of the ad and she stated that she had never actually intended to give up her child and had responded only to one person who contacted her about it.
Four days later on May 13 Redus returned to the police department to rescind on her previous statement. During this second interview Redus admitted to police that she had not been entirely truthful when she spoke with them and that she had posted the ad while at her job and had actually responded to several inquiries about the posting.
Redus allegedly told police that because she was pregnant she was unable to take medications prescribed to her for depression and anxiety. She reportedly explained that posting the ad had helped ease her anxiety.
Redus, free on bail, is scheduled to appear in court over this incident on May 21.
Redus's son was removed from her custody, but there are conflicting reports as to where he is currently staying. Some sources allege that he is in the custody of Child Protective Services while others claim he is currently living with his father.