Prosecution of a Webb City woman accused of trying to swap another woman’s unborn child for a used car has been deferred, in return for 80 hours of community service.
If Lana Banks, 46, completes the community service and avoids legal trouble for the next year, the child trafficking charge against her will be dismissed, said Kurt Benecke, assistant Jasper County prosecutor.
Banks was arrested March 10, 2011. She was accused of contacting a potential adoptive family on Jan. 13, 2011, and proposing to sell another woman’s unborn child for a used car worth between $3,000 and $3,500. The car was needed by the baby’s mother, she reportedly told the couple. The couple told Banks that was illegal, and they said they wanted to get their attorney involved in any adoption arrangement with her.
When Banks allegedly contacted the couple again requesting a meeting, the prospective parents again said they wanted their attorney present, at which time Banks allegedly told them “never mind” and she had identified another couple who would adopt the baby.
The couple also contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which notified local authorities
Background
LANA BANKS WAS ARRESTED after the baby in question was born in March 2011, while she was visiting the baby and the baby’s mother in a hospital. Joplin attorney Phil Glades represented Banks.
Crime & Courts
Prosecution deferred for woman accused of trying to swap baby for car
Defendant must do 80 hours of community service
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