How many times have we made lighthearted comments to friends or on social media about wanting to “rehome” our kids when they’re driving us up the wall? Maybe you’ve quipped, “I’ve got a kid free to a good home!” or suggested selling them to a circus. I’ll admit I’ve joked about putting my little one up for sale at least once a month since they turned three! Most of us understand it’s all in fun, but what happens when someone takes it too far?
A 24-year-old woman from Noxubee County, Mississippi, learned this lesson the hard way. She was arrested for allegedly attempting to sell her daughter online across multiple platforms. Jamila Foster reportedly posted on several buy-sell-trade groups on Facebook, and it didn’t take long for concerned citizens to alert authorities.
One of her posts featured a photo of her two-year-old daughter, listing her for the outrageous price of $123,456,789 with the caption, “For Sale Do Anybody Wants To Buy Her Best Offer I Would Take.” While that price might be seen as a joke, the sheer volume of her posts raised serious concerns. Supporters of Ms. Foster argued that she only shared these messages in groups where her family could see them, but whether that helps her case is debatable.
Noxubee County Sheriff Tom Reynolds commented on the situation, saying, “It’s not a joke. It’s a travesty to do that. You can’t post something like this without attracting attention.” He noted that numerous sheriff departments were involved, and there was a swift response to the troubling posts.
While many in the community defended Ms. Foster, claiming she was merely joking, others were appalled, especially given the rise in child trafficking cases. Discussions even shifted to the child’s safety, with some criticizing the use of a booster seat in the photo instead of a proper 5-point harness.
Regardless of her intentions, Ms. Foster now faces serious charges, and her daughter has been placed in the custody of the Department of Human Services. This situation serves as a stark reminder that not all jokes are taken lightly—especially when they involve children.
So, consider this a cautionary tale for all parents who like to joke about their kids on social media. As summer approaches and the kids reach new levels of mischief, think carefully about your audience and be clear in your messaging. You wouldn’t want to find yourself in a similar predicament. For more information on parenting and fertility, check out this post on boosting fertility supplements and learn about the factors that could affect your fertility. For comprehensive resources on pregnancy, visit the World Health Organization’s pregnancy section.
Summary
A woman in Mississippi was arrested for attempting to sell her daughter on social media, highlighting the risks of joking about parenting issues. Despite some community support, law enforcement took the matter seriously due to concerns over child welfare and trafficking.