Rogers, Arkansas – An Arkansas couple who attempted to trade their infant son for alcohol and money at a campground have now learned their legal fate, with the child’s father receiving a prison sentence while the mother was placed on long-term probation.
How the Case Unfolded
The incident dates back to September 2024, when staff at the Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground contacted law enforcement after learning that a baby had allegedly been offered in exchange for beer and later cash. According to investigators, witnesses reported that the parents initially sought a six-pack of beer and later demanded $1,000 for their 6-month-old baby boy.
The campground is located near Rogers, a rapidly growing city in Benton County close to the Oklahoma border.
Disturbing Allegations at the Campground
Court records and an affidavit of probable cause describe how Shalene Ehlers, 21, allegedly approached other campers asking for beer. When refused, another man reportedly offered alcohol in exchange for keeping the baby overnight. Authorities later described that man as visibly intoxicated.
Investigators say the parents agreed, handed over the baby along with a diaper bag, and later met with another individual at a separate camper. There, the couple allegedly discussed permanently surrendering the child in exchange for $1,000.
A handwritten document was drafted and signed, stating that both parents were “signing our rights over” to their baby boy and warning there would be no future contact. Deputies later obtained cellphone video showing the document being signed.
What Investigators Found
Law enforcement noted that no money had yet been exchanged, but the intended recipient told police he planned to deliver a $1,000 check days later. Multiple witnesses corroborated the events, and detectives concluded the parents created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury by leaving the infant with intoxicated and unfamiliar individuals.
After the campground owner learned of the situation, 911 was called, and deputies intervened. The baby, who reportedly showed signs of neglect, was taken to a hospital for evaluation and later placed out of the parents’ custody.
Different Outcomes in Court
On Monday, the child’s father, Darien Urban, 22, pleaded guilty to attempted acceptance of compensation for adoption. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a separate charge of endangering the welfare of a minor.
Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Urban to:
- Three years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections
- An additional three-year suspended sentence
Court records indicate Urban’s sentence was influenced by his prior criminal history, including a 2023 theft case in which he was already on probation. That probation was violated when the attempted baby sale occurred.
Mother Receives Probation Instead of Prison
The baby’s mother, Shalene Ehlers, pleaded guilty to both charges. However, the judge chose to defer acceptance of her plea, placing her on six years of state-supervised probation instead.
If Ehlers successfully completes probation without violations, she could avoid a permanent criminal conviction related to the case.
No Contact With the Child
Under the terms of the plea agreements and sentencing orders, neither parent is permitted any contact with their son, who is now a toddler. Authorities have not publicly released details about the child’s current placement, citing privacy concerns.
A Case That Shocked the Community
The case drew national attention due to its disturbing nature and the alleged involvement of alcohol in decisions affecting an infant’s safety. Investigators emphasized that the child was placed in danger not only by the attempted sale but also by being left with individuals who were intoxicated and unknown to the parents.
Conclusion
The sentencing closes a troubling chapter that began at a campground but raised serious questions about child safety, neglect, and accountability. While the father will serve prison time, the mother’s probationary sentence places her under long-term supervision as the state continues to prioritize the child’s welfare.
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