Foster Mother Pleads Guilty After Allegedly Trying to Trade a Child for a Monkey

A Missouri woman accused of exchanging a foster child for an exotic animal has reached a deal with prosecutors.

Authorities began investigating Brenda R. Deutsch, 70, in November 2024 after an anonymous tip to social services alleged she was abusing the foster child, according to a Monday, June 15 report by Fox 2 News.

In February 2025, the Winfield School District flagged the child for excessive absences. A school resource officer was notified and, as the school launched its own inquiry, learned the child had been taken to Texas — with a rumor circulating that she had been exchanged for a monkey.

After connecting with Texas law enforcement, the school resource officer was able to reach the child, who said she was OK, per the outlet. Texas police also made contact with Deutsch’s friend, who had been keeping the girl at her residence to create distance between the two, as they “were not getting along.”

Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wood told Fox News 2 that both Deutsch and her friend owned exotic animals and that another witness was allegedly asked to take the child in exchange for a monkey. The child remained in Texas after Deutsch’s friend indicated Deutsch did not want her back.

Deutsch told investigators she had purchased a plane ticket for the child, but her friend had no way to get the girl to the airport, according to the report.

While in Texas, the child disclosed to police the physical abuse she had allegedly suffered in Missouri, per the outlet. She also told authorities that the person she was staying with would leave for days at a time to tend to exotic animals, according to the report. When Deutsch’s friend — expected to be away for five days — failed to return after seven, a second caretaker turned the child over to Child Protective Services in Texas.

Deutsch pleaded guilty on Monday, June 15, to one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, per documents filed in Lincoln County Circuit Court, Fox News 2 reported. As part of the agreement, prosecutors waived two counts of abuse or neglect of a child. The charge carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison or up to one year in jail, along with a fine of up to $10,000.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.