Missouri Foster Mother Pleads Guilty After Sending Foster Child to Texas in Exchange for a Monkey
WINFIELD, MISSOURI – A 70-year-old Missouri foster parent has pleaded guilty to felony child endangerment after authorities say she sent an eighth-grade-age foster child to a contact in Texas and received a pet monkey in return, following ongoing conflicts between the two.
Brenda Deutsch, who had fostered more than 200 children over roughly two decades, entered a guilty plea on Monday to one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Two additional felony charges against her, stemming from broader abuse allegations, were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
Case Surfaced After School Flagged Missing Child
The case first came to light in February 2025, when the Winfield School District raised concerns about the child’s excessive absences. A school resource officer began investigating and learned the girl had been taken to Texas, with witnesses later confirming she had been exchanged for a monkey after the two were said to not be “getting along.”
Lincoln County authorities contacted Texas law enforcement, who located the child and confirmed she was physically unharmed. Investigators learned the girl had at times been left alone for extended stretches, including one ten day period when the person caring for her in Texas traveled out of state.
Investigation Began Months Earlier on Anonymous Tip
The case actually originated in November 2024, after an anonymous tip to Missouri’s Children’s Division alleged ongoing abuse in Deutsch’s home. The child later told investigators the mistreatment in Missouri had spanned roughly two and a half years. More than 200 calls had reportedly been made to Missouri’s child abuse hotline regarding activity at the home during that period.
Deutsch now faces up to seven years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 21. The child involved is currently in protective custody.
Stay updated for the latest news as this story develops.
