Missouri Foster Mother Accused of Trading Teen for Monkey Faces Child Abuse Charges

Foster mom Brenda Deutsch faces three felony counts of neglect, child abuse and child endangering, according to Missouri officials. Authorities are investigating whether she gave up one of her children in exchange for a monkey

A Missouri woman who has fostered more than 200 children is facing multiple charges following disturbing allegations of long-term abuse, including claims that she traded a teenage foster child for a monkey. Brenda Ruth Deutsch, 70, of Winfield, has been charged with two counts of child abuse or neglect and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem from the case of a missing child who was later located in Texas.

Authorities were alerted after the 16-year-old victim’s school reported her prolonged absence. Investigators discovered that Deutsch had arranged for the teen to be sent to Texas to stay with a friend. There, the girl was allegedly left alone in unsanitary conditions with exotic animals. A probable cause statement noted that the child was housed in a residence filled with filth and neglected animals.

A witness involved in the case claimed they were asked to drive the girl to Texas and return with a monkey in exchange. “A witness who had come forward with some information regarding the systemic abuse that was going on in the home had said that they had been asked to bring the child down to Texas and bring the monkey back in return,” stated Lincoln County Prosecutor Mike Wood. He emphasized that additional investigation is needed to verify whether the claim is credible.

The investigation began on November 21 after the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division received an anonymous tip reporting the alleged physical and emotional abuse of the child.

The teen told investigators that Deutsch beat her using a paddle, shoes, and wooden trim. In one incident, she was reportedly restrained by another individual while Deutsch struck her bare buttocks. The girl also alleged that she was subjected to psychological abuse, including having her clothes taken away and given to others as punishment, and being sent to psychiatric and residential facilities for extended periods.

Deutsch, who has fostered hundreds of children over the years, had no prior criminal reports associated with her residence. Deustch was taken into custody over the weekend and her bond was set at $250,000 cash. She is due to appear in court this week. Wood described the allegations as "particularly heinous and just disturbing to read," especially given "the number of children that had been fostered through that home." The victim is now in the custody of child protective services in Texas.