An Oklahoma woman has been arrested for allegedly handing her young daughter to a man from whom she was buying narcotics two years ago, according to authorities.
Ashley Rowland, 39, of Moore, was arrested this week and charged with child desertion in connection with her 2-year-old daughter’s disappearance in 2022, according to CBS station KOTV, ABC affiliate KOCO, and The Kansas City Star.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services was sought to take custody of the child in April 2023, but she could not be found, according to an affidavit acquired by KOCO, KOTV, and the Kansas City Star.
According to the affidavit, DHS workers found down Rowland, who allegedly informed them that her daughter was “with her father in Georgia.”
When interviewed by police, Rowland allegedly told them a different story: she delivered her daughter to a man named “Carlos” while buying methamphetamine from him, according to the affidavit.
Rowland informed police. According to the affidavit, the youngster was unsure whether Carlos was her father.
According to the affidavit, she admitted to using narcotics when she handed her kid away and has no idea where she is.
Police are looking for the girl, who would be five years old now.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services issued a statement saying, “Situations like those stated in this affidavit are devastating and unthinkable.
“Like the rest of the community, Oklahoma Human Services is concerned for the child’s safety.
“While we are unable to discuss cases due to state and federal confidentiality laws, the agency is grateful to our law enforcement partners for their ongoing efforts to locate her and seek justice in her disappearance.” We will continue to support their efforts in any way we can.
The Moore Police Department did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment.