FDLE arrests third person in sale of child case
A Florida woman has become the third person arrested in a case that officials say involved the attempted sale of the woman’s infant son.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Stephanie Bigbee Fleming, 22, of Bradenton, for her part in attempting to sell her 8-week old child, officials said Tuesday.
Fleming is the third person charged in this case and is the daughter of Patty Bigbee, the baby’s grandmother, who was arrested Nov. 5.
FDLE agents arrested Bigbee, 45, and Lawrence Works, 42, both of Holly Hill, Fla., for their role in attempting to sell the infant and split the money among family members.
The investigation began in late October after Bigbee approached a third party buyer and offered to sell the infant for $75,000, officials said.
After a series of negotiations, the price for purchase of the infant was agreed upon at $30,000. Bigbee and Works were arrested when they met the buyer to complete the sale in Daytona Beach. The buyer was known to the subjects and worked with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
An arrest warrant for Fleming was issued after the investigation revealed that she and Bigbee had discussed the selling price for the child and how the funds would be split. Investigators allege Fleming had agreed to receive $9,000 for the sale of her baby.
Fleming planned to purchase a new vehicle from the money received, according to FDLE.
The investigation was handled by agents from FDLE’s Tampa Bay, Fort Myers and Orlando Regional Operations Center.
Fleming was charged with one count of Principal to Illegal Sale or Surrender of a Child, and her bond amount is $50,000. She is currently being held in the Manatee County Jail.
The infant remains in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement