Foster mom arrested for allegedly trading child for monkey

In Missouri, a 70-year-old foster mother named Brenda Ruth Deutsch has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including child abuse and endangerment. Her arrest follows a series of allegations regarding the mistreatment of children in her care, particularly focused on a teenage girl. The girl was reported missing in February 2025, which led to investigators uncovering that she was allegedly traded to a Texas resident in exchange for an exotic monkey. Following this, the girl was found in Texas and placed under protective custody by child welfare officials there. Meanwhile, authorities in Missouri are looking into the extensive history surrounding Deutsch's care of over 200 children in a span of around 15 to 20 years, with nearly 250 hotline calls made regarding her household. Witnesses have come forward revealing that Deutsch used various forms of physical punishment against the children, significantly the teenager who was beaten with wooden objects, shoes, and paddles. The child's living conditions in Texas were described as unsanitary and inadequately supervised, raising further concerns about the treatment of children under Deutsch’s care. As investigations unfold, questions regarding possible human trafficking are also emerging. Prosecutors indicated that Deutsch's actions might reflect a systematic failure of the child welfare system, prompting an investigation to assess any criminal behavior related to her foster care practices. Authorities anticipate more charges could develop as additional victims come forth, revealing a disturbing pattern of neglect and abuse connected to foster care placements over many years.