Thomasville police said their detectives began an investigation July 23 after responding to Wake Forest Baptist Health High Point Medical Center after a two-year-old girl arrived at the hospital with Tina Chavis, 47, of Thomasville, with bruises. Advertisement Hospital staff alerted police and Child Protective Services. Police said Chavis initially claimed to be the child?s mother before stating that she adopted the child but couldn't produce any documentation. The child was later placed in the care of a family member. Her current condition or the extent of her injuries are unknown. Police say they later learned that child's biological mother, Alice Todd, 45, of Thomasville, gave the child to Chavis and her husband, Vicencio Romero, 53, in exchange for a 1993 Plymouth Laser at some point in 2018 somewhere in Thomasville. All three suspects were arrested at their respective Thomasville homes without incident on Wednesday.
Alice Todd allegedly gave her child away in exchange for a car (Picture: Thomasville Police Dept)

A mother has been arrested after allegedly trying to get rid of her daughter in exchange for an old banger.

Alice Leann Todd, 45, wanted the early 90s Plymouth Laser Hatchback, according to court papers in Thomasville, North Carolina.

So she gave her one-year-old daughter to Tina Marie Chavis, 47, and Vincencio Romero, 53, and they claimed the girl was theirs.

However, no paperwork could be provided to prove what they were saying was true and they were all arrested.

Suspicions were raised by medical staff in July this year who contacted child protective services.

Thomasville police said their detectives began an investigation July 23 after responding to Wake Forest Baptist Health High Point Medical Center after a two-year-old girl arrived at the hospital with Tina Chavis, 47, of Thomasville, with bruises. Advertisement Hospital staff alerted police and Child Protective Services. Police said Chavis initially claimed to be the child?s mother before stating that she adopted the child but couldn't produce any documentation. The child was later placed in the care of a family member. Her current condition or the extent of her injuries are unknown. Police say they later learned that child's biological mother, Alice Todd, 45, of Thomasville, gave the child to Chavis and her husband, Vicencio Romero, 53, in exchange for a 1993 Plymouth Laser at some point in 2018 somewhere in Thomasville. All three suspects were arrested at their respective Thomasville homes without incident on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old car that Todd received in exchange for a one-year-old child (Picture: Thomasville Police Dept)

They were concerned when Chavis turned up with the girl who had bruises on her body. She told them it was as a result of an allergic reaction.

Staff asked for the girl’s documents but she could not provide them, leading her to say she had actually adopted the girl.

It is not clear why Chavis and Romero accepted a baby as a payment for a car.

An advert for the car said: ‘The Laser gains all-wheel drive as an option that greatly improves handling.

‘Front and rear styling changes include headlights, tail lamps, and a new rear spoiler on turbo models.’

The girl is being looked after by a relative and all three suspects are being held until their next court hearing on October 21.

Thomasville police said their detectives began an investigation July 23 after responding to Wake Forest Baptist Health High Point Medical Center after a two-year-old girl arrived at the hospital with Tina Chavis, 47, of Thomasville, with bruises. Advertisement Hospital staff alerted police and Child Protective Services. Police said Chavis initially claimed to be the child?s mother before stating that she adopted the child but couldn't produce any documentation. The child was later placed in the care of a family member. Her current condition or the extent of her injuries are unknown. Police say they later learned that child's biological mother, Alice Todd, 45, of Thomasville, gave the child to Chavis and her husband, Vicencio Romero, 53, in exchange for a 1993 Plymouth Laser at some point in 2018 somewhere in Thomasville. All three suspects were arrested at their respective Thomasville homes without incident on Wednesday.
Vicencio Romero was also taken into custody (Picture: Thomasville Police Dept)
Thomasville police said their detectives began an investigation July 23 after responding to Wake Forest Baptist Health High Point Medical Center after a two-year-old girl arrived at the hospital with Tina Chavis, 47, of Thomasville, with bruises. Advertisement Hospital staff alerted police and Child Protective Services. Police said Chavis initially claimed to be the child?s mother before stating that she adopted the child but couldn't produce any documentation. The child was later placed in the care of a family member. Her current condition or the extent of her injuries are unknown. Police say they later learned that child's biological mother, Alice Todd, 45, of Thomasville, gave the child to Chavis and her husband, Vicencio Romero, 53, in exchange for a 1993 Plymouth Laser at some point in 2018 somewhere in Thomasville. All three suspects were arrested at their respective Thomasville homes without incident on Wednesday.
Tina Marie Chavis, 47, took the girl to a medical center where staff realised something was amiss (Picture: Thomasville Police Dept)