Woman caring for foster child allegedly swapped the child for a strange animal in a questionable deal

A Missouri woman is behind bars after she allegedly attempted to trade a foster child for an “exotic animal” following years of abuse, police say.  

Brenda Ruth Deutsch, 70, was arrested earlier this week on three felony counts of child abuse, neglect, and child endangerment after a child reported to be missing was later found in Texas, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

Court documents do not reveal the exact age of the child, but indicate she is a teenager younger than 17. 

Deutsch is charged with three felony counts of child abuse, neglect and child endangerment.  (iStock)

Upon investigation, authorities learned of a rumor that the child had allegedly been traded for an exotic animal and was living in Texas. The victim reportedly told police that Deutsch informed her friend in Texas that they could keep the child, but Deutsch “will be keeping the check,” according to court documents.

The child was transported to child protective services in Texas. 

Duetsch reportedly has fostered over 200 children over the years, according to KSDK-5 in St. Louis. Her bond is currently set at $250,000. 

The Lincoln County Prosecutor’s Office and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.