Authorities investigated an incident involving the attempted sale of an infant, prompting law enforcement and child protection services to intervene.
On August 8, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Oskaloosa Police Department investigated an incident in Oskaloosa involving Tiffany Smith, 33, of Oskaloosa, who allegedly attempted to sell her one-month-old child.
According to the criminal complaint, Smith willingly gave the child to a family member of a potential buyer. The family member reportedly cared for the child for approximately two and a half hours until Smith and her mother demanded $10,000 in exchange for the child. The family subsequently returned the child to Smith.
Law enforcement reported that the potential buyer provided officers with text messages exchanged with Smith discussing the transaction. Court documents indicate that Smith was aware that exchanging her child for money was illegal. During an emergency removal of the child conducted by the Department of Human Services, Smith was questioned by officers regarding the incident. She reportedly stated that she needed financial assistance when asked about the attempted sale.
A search warrant for Smith’s cell phone was obtained and executed. Officers reportedly discovered text messages between Smith and her mother that contained valuable information relevant to the case.
On January 22, 2026, a warrant was served on Smith by the Oskaloosa Police Department. She is currently being held in the Mahaska County Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 2, 2026.
Smith is charged with the purchase or sale of an individual, a Class C felony.
