Police in Florida said last week they arrested and charged a woman with trying to sell her 18-month-old daughter for $500 outside a local business.

Palatka police said Jessica Woods, 33, was taken into custody on charges of child abuse, child neglect and abandonment this month.

Authorities said Ms. Woods had been loitering by the business for a few days when an employee approached the mother on March 5 and asked if she needed help.

“Woods told the citizen she did not need anything, but offered to sell the child to the citizen for $500,” Palatka police said in a release. “When the citizen refused to purchase the child, Woods walked away, leaving her daughter behind.”    

The employee picked up the toddler and took her to the police station, according to authorities. The child has since been placed in foster care.

Police said they obtained an arrest warrant for Ms. Woods and tracked her down on March 7.

She is being held at the Putnam County Jail, according to jail records.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.