Mahaska County, IA – A woman from Oskaloosa was arrested Thursday and booked-into the Mahaska County Jail in Oskaloosa, following an investigation into her having allegedly trying to sell her one-month-old baby. KCRG-TV reports court documents show that in August, 2025, 33-year-old Tiffany Smith willingly gave her one-month-old child to a family member of a potential buyer.

The family member had the child for two and a half hours when Smith allegedly demanded $10,000 or that they give the child back. The documents say the family remember returned the child. The potential buyer then showed police officers text messages exchanged with Smith detailing the purchase of the baby.

During an emergency removal of the baby by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Smith was asked about the incident. Court documents say she told officers she needed financial help. Officers found text messages on Smith’s phone between her and her mother that involved information about this case.

Smith’s bond is set at $10,000 cash or surety bond.