A North Carolina mother has been jailed for allegedky giving away her one-year-old child in exchange for a used car.

Thomasville Authorities booked Alice Leann Todd, 45, at her home on Wednesday, the very same day they detained Tina Marie Chavis, 47, and Chavis’ husband, Vicencio Romero, 53, at their home in the small city, located about 69 miles northeast of Charlotte.

The trio appeared in court to deal with felony charges of illegal sale, surrender, or purchase of a small on Thursday.

Investigators discovered of the group’s alleged dubious deal after Wake Forest Baptist Health Peak Medical Center staffers called cops on July 23.

The medical center also contacted kid protective services the very same day when Chavis showed up there with a two-year-old girl who had swellings on her body, telling medical professionals the child appeared to be having an allergy.

The 47-year-old at first stated she was the unnamed child’s mother, however she had no documents to support her story. After private investigators penetrated even more, Chavis claimed she had adopted the toddler, cops said.

Responding officers initially put the little girl in the care of a member of the family. The suspects’ arrest came after an estimated two-month investigation.

Throughout that time, investigators discovered Chavis had actually obtained the child from Todd a long time in 2018 – in exchange for an early 1990s Plymouth Laser Hatchback.

It’s still unclear why Chavis and her hubby accepted a baby in exchange for an automobile or why the kid’s mom agreed to the transaction in the first location.

Thomasville police did not immediately react for calls or e-mails asking for remark Thursday night.

An ad for the 27-year-old blue sedan was posted on Edmunds.com, according to NBC News. The automobile received a 4 out of five star score from eight customers.

‘ The Laser gains four-wheel drive as a choice that considerably improves handling,’ the vehicle’s page states. ‘Front and rear styling modifications include headlights, tail lamps, and a new rear spoiler on turbo designs.’

Cops decreased to provide an upgrade on the kid’s condition or location on Thursday. WXII-TV reported the little girl is safe and in the custody of a family member.

All 3 suspects are being held at Davidson County Jail on $50,000, court and prison records show. Each is scheduled to appear in court once again on October 21.