04/29/2009

Associated Press

A southeast Wisconsin couple are accused of selling their baby girl to a Missouri woman in 2004 for $6,000.

Charges were filed Wednesday against 38-year-old David J. Schmidt and 33-year-old Angela M. Schmidt, both of Kewaskum. Each faces a felony count related to unauthorized adoption placement.

Prosecutors say Angela Schmidt gave birth in 2004 and wanted the hospital to release the baby to a 36-year-old woman from Clinton, Mo. Schmidt allegedly claimed she was a surrogate mother for the woman but didn't provide supporting documents.

The criminal complaint says the hospital refused, and the Schmidts were later seen handing the baby to the woman.

A message left Wednesday with the Schmidts' attorney wasn't immediately returned.

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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com