Many of us have cracked jokes in moments of parenting frustration, often saying something like, “Anyone interested in a kid? I’ve got one available for a good home!” or jokingly suggesting we could sell them to a circus. I, for one, might have made that very comment just this morning. Since my child turned three, I’ve likely joked about selling him at least once a month. Most people understand that these comments are made in jest. But what happens when someone takes it too far?
A 24-year-old woman from Noxubee County, Mississippi, recently learned this lesson the hard way. She was arrested for allegedly attempting to sell her child online. According to reports, Janice Thompson posted offers on numerous buy-sell-trade pages across Facebook, leading to a flurry of concerned reports to law enforcement.
Her post featured a photo of her daughter, approximately two years old, with the caption, “For Sale Do Anybody Wants To Buy Her Best Offer I Would Take” and an outrageous price of $123,456,789. Although this price seems absurd and not intended to be taken seriously, investigators became concerned due to the frequency of the postings across various platforms. Supporters of Thompson argue that she only shared the posts on pages where family would see them, but that may not help her case.
Noxubee County Sheriff, Mike Harrison, commented on the situation, saying, “This is not a joke. It’s a serious matter. It’s impossible to make a claim like this without attracting attention. Law enforcement agencies were inundated with calls once the posts went up.” The local community had divided opinions. Some defended Thompson, suggesting it was all in jest, while others pointed out the potential dangers involved in such remarks, especially given the current climate concerning child trafficking.
Regardless of her intent, Thompson has been charged with the sale of a minor child, and her daughter is now under the care of the Department of Human Services. It’s a significant consequence for what many would consider a misguided joke. Law enforcement’s reaction, while perhaps overzealous, reflects the serious nature of child safety in today’s world.
As a precautionary tale to parents who might joke about their kids on social media—especially with summer approaching and the chaos that often comes with it—be mindful of your audience and the clarity of your message. What might seem like harmless humor to you could land you in serious trouble.
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Summary
A mother in Mississippi was arrested for attempting to sell her child online, highlighting the dangers of joking about such matters on social media. While many parents often make light-hearted comments in frustration, it’s crucial to consider the implications and ensure clarity in communication to avoid serious consequences.