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A father has been probed by police after he went to a pawn shop in an apparent bid to sell his baby.

Brian Slocum, 43, sparked a huge police investigation after turning up at the A&F Pawn Jewelry and Loan store in Sarasota, Florida, on Tuesday with the infant in its carrier.

He strolled into the store, set the baby on the counter and began talking with the clerk about the possibility of exchanging the infant for a cash loan, it is claimed.

Slocum’s offer horrified the clerk, who refused and subsequently called police.


Sarasota PD issued an appeal on Facebook fearing the baby may have been inducted, and that the youngster was in imminent danger.

Brian Slocum is seen trying to pawn his own baby at a store in Sarasota, Florida. He called police after they launched an investigation, and claims he was only attempting an internet prank (Pictures: Sarasota PD)

Slocum himself saw the appeal – and contacted Sarasota Police saying he had only been trying to pawn the baby as part of an internet prank he wanted to film.



A police spokesman explained: ‘During this investigation, the Sarasota Police Department was contacted by Mr. Slocum who wanted to give a statement on what occurred.

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‘Mr. Slocum learned that he was on social media and that police were attempting to identify him.

‘Mr. Slocum claims that his encounter with the store clerk was a prank and that he wanted to place his own video on social media.

‘Detectives verified the child was safe and contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families Services as part of this investigation.’

Sarasota Police confirmed that the baby is safe. They said they have not filed any criminal charges against Slocum, but added that a criminal investigation into his behavior is ongoing.