Woman accused of trying to trade infant for Chihuahua puppy

ENID, Okla. (AP) _ Garfield County prosecutors allege an Arkansas resident tried to exchange her baby girl for a Chihuahua puppy. <br><br>Kathryn A. Smith was charged Friday in Garfield County District

Saturday, March 30th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ENID, Okla. (AP) _ Garfield County prosecutors allege an Arkansas resident tried to exchange her baby girl for a Chihuahua puppy.

Kathryn A. Smith was charged Friday in Garfield County District Court with a felony count of trafficking in children. Smith, 21, was released on her own recognizance after surrendering to authorities.

The charges stem from Smith's stay in Enid. She now lives in Springdale, Ark.

According to court documents, Smith allegedly offered to give her mother's neighbor custody of her 7-month-old daughter if the woman would give her a Chihuahua puppy the woman was selling for $200.

Smith later upped the price for the infant to $2,000, authorities allege. The other woman told Enid police she agreed to a trade just to get the girl away from Smith, whom she believed was neglecting the child, an affidavit stated.

The woman told police she had agreed to let Smith and her daughter stay with her last April after Smith's mother had kicked her and her boyfriend out of the house, the affidavit stated.

Smith and the child stayed with the woman, but left with boyfriend after only one night. When she returned with the child a few days later, the woman said the baby looked hungry and sick and had a rash that needed attention.

According to the affidavit, Smith signed papers allowing the woman to seek medical treatment for the baby if necessary and also promised to give her legal custody of the child.

Smith's mother later told the neighbor that Smith tried to sell the child again after moving to Arkansas, the affidavit stated.

She is scheduled to return to court May 8 for a bond appearance.