An arrest affidavit reveals disturbing new information about a woman accused of selling her seven-year-old son. Investigators say it was to settle drug debt.
That document details the events that led to Esmeralda Garza’s arrest on Friday. As KRIS 6 News has reported, her arrest was the result of a drug investigation by the department of public safety.
According to the arrest affidavit, Garza told investigators she and her boyfriend owed drug money, so to repay that debt she sold her seven-year-old son.
"A seven-year-old kid, you’re going to sell a seven year old kid? Or buy one, you’re going to buy one? Come on man!" Tony Guerrero, the boy’s uncle said.
Family on the paternal side of the little boy tell say they are sickened that his mom supposedly did it to settle a drug debt.
In the affidavit, investigators describe their conversations with Garza and the woman she allegedly sold her son to.
Both told investigators the seven year old was sold, but there is inconsistency on what the price was.
The alleged buyer told DPS agents she paid Garza $2,500.
Garza told investigators she was paid $500 to settle her debt, then was paid an extra $700 when so-called "custody paperwork" was signed.
Garza has been charged with selling a child, a third degree felony.
The DPS investigation showed she was also attempting to sell two of her baby daughters.
Those attempted sales could also result in charges.
"Most offenses in the penal code, where a person attempts to commit an offense but does not fully complete that offense, it generally can be charged," First Assistant District Attorney Matt Manning said.
As for the children, after Garza’s arrest all three kids were put into the custody of child protective services. CPS says those kids are still in the state’s care. A hearing in July will determine whether or not they will return to a parent, stay with another family member, or remain in foster care.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Safety asks the public to report any suspicious activity regarding children.
"It would make a vast difference, on the length of time that would go on, what they might have to go through and experience, and what’s going to affect them for the rest of their life," Sgt. Nathan Brandley said.
Regarding the people who allegedly bought Garza’s son, the arrest affidavit does not state whether charges were filed against them. The DPS will only say that a man and a woman were also arrested during Friday’s drug raid.
