Authorities have announced the arrest of a man they say tried to buy a child.
"The Washington Parish Sheriff Office’s (WPSO) Special Investigations Unit, along with Angie Police Department (APD), began an investigation involving the sale of a minor child," the sheriff's office posted.
Investigators say Howell Gene Penton solicited a woman at the Angie Auction House to purchase her 10-month-old baby girl.
"WPSO’s Special Investigations Unit and APD conducted an undercover operation on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, which lead to the agencies obtaining an arrest warrant for Penton."
Officials say the investigation is ongoing.
"If anyone has any information on the sales of minor children, please contact our office at 985-839-3434."