Rogers, Arkansas – An Arkansas couple accused of attempting to sell their 6-month-old baby in exchange for beer and $1,000 in cash has received sharply different punishments, highlighting the seriousness of child endangerment cases and how prior criminal history can influence sentencing.
The case, which unfolded at a campground in Benton County, shocked the community and drew national attention after investigators uncovered a written agreement allegedly transferring parental rights in exchange for money.
Father Sentenced to Prison After Guilty Plea
On Monday, Darien Urban, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted accepting compensation for adoption, according to Benton County court records. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped an additional charge of endangering the welfare of a minor.
Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren accepted the plea agreement in full and sentenced Urban to three years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, followed by an additional three-year suspended sentence.
Court documents suggest the harsher punishment stemmed in part from Urban’s prior criminal history. In June 2023, he pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by receiving stolen property valued between $1,000 and $5,000. He was placed on probation in that case and later violated probation — a violation linked to the attempted sale of the child.
Mother Receives Probation, No Immediate Conviction
The child’s mother, Shalene Ehlers, 21, received a significantly lighter outcome.
Ehlers pleaded guilty to two counts:
- Attempting to accept compensation for adoption
- Endangering the welfare of a minor
However, Judge Karren deferred acceptance of her plea, opting instead to place her on six years of state-supervised probation. If Ehlers successfully completes probation without violations, she could avoid a permanent criminal conviction.
Legal analysts note that deferred pleas are sometimes used when judges believe rehabilitation is possible, though the gravity of this case has sparked debate.
Incident Reported at Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground
The disturbing incident occurred on September 21, 2024, at the Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground in Rogers, a fast-growing city located just miles from the Oklahoma border and roughly 200 miles northwest of Little Rock.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, a campground employee contacted the Benton County Sheriff’s Office after learning the couple had attempted to give away their baby for a six-pack of beer and later demanded $1,000.
Witnesses reported that Ehlers initially approached nearby campers asking for beer. When refused, a man identified as Ricky Crawford allegedly offered beer in exchange for keeping the baby overnight.
Investigators said Crawford appeared heavily intoxicated, raising immediate concerns for the child’s safety.
Written Contract and Witness Video Evidence
Authorities later discovered a handwritten document allegedly signed by Urban and Ehlers. Multiple witnesses corroborated the events, and deputies obtained cellphone video footage showing the couple signing the contract.
Although no money had yet changed hands, Martin reportedly told police he planned to deliver a $1,000 check days later.
Baby Taken to Hospital, Parents Barred From Contact
After the campground owner contacted 911, the infant was taken to a local hospital, where authorities noted signs of neglect. The child was later placed into protective custody.
According to sentencing documents, neither Urban nor Ehlers is permitted to have contact with their son, who is now a toddler.
Investigators concluded that the couple created a substantial risk of serious injury or death by abandoning the child with intoxicated individuals and strangers.
Do you think the difference in sentencing between the parents was justified, or should both have faced equal punishment? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation on child safety and accountability.
