Family Forum / Parenting / Adoption / October 2009

Hi, I'm calling about the bird.  How much was that?

Oh, I don't have that much.  Would you take two kids instead?

J.

Guilty Plea in Bird-for-Children Swap

VILLE PLATTE, La. (Oct. 14) - A Louisiana couple admitted giving an
exotic bird to a woman in exchange for two children, a district
attorney said Wednesday.
Paul and Brandy Romero, of Eunice, pleaded guilty to two felony counts
of sale of a minor child, Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent
Brignac's office said in a statement. Their five-year prison sentences
were suspended in exchange for their testimony against the woman
accused of handing over the children, Donna Greenwell of Glenmora, the
statement said.
The Romeros traded their cockatoo and $175 for the children in
February. Greenwell is not their mother, but the children were living
with her. Prosecutors say she "instigated" the transfer when she
responded to the Romeros' advertisement for sale of the bird.
Greenwell, who is free on bond, has pleaded not guilty to two felony
counts of sale of minor children. Her trial is set for November.
Greenwell's lawyer, Steve Sikich, has said previously that there was
no swap involved and that Greenwell was trying to find a suitable home
for the children. He did not immediately return a call for comment on
Wednesday's guilty pleas.
The DAs' statement said Paul Romero, 46, and 28-year-old Brandy were
unable to have children and "unaware of the exact legal requirements
for transferring custody of minor children. The couple maintains they
were simply trying to provide a home for two children that were
unwanted by Greenwell."
Authorities initially thought Greenwell had kidnapped the children,
but then learned that the biological parents were aware they were
living with Greenwell.

http://news.aol.com/article/louisiana-couple-pleads-guilty-in-bird/718257