A 73-year-old man, Howell Gene Penton, has been arrested for allegedly trying to buy a 10-month-old baby girl from her mother at an auction in Angie, Louisiana. The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a covert operation leading to Penton’s apprehension. The investigation began on November 26, and after three days, an undercover sting operation resulted in the man’s arrest without any issues.
Penton is facing charges for attempting to purchase a minor child and is currently in custody at the county jail with a bail set at $200,000. Details on how he approached the mother or if he had any previous connection with her have not been disclosed.