Police: Woman tried to sell baby to Philly man

PHILADELPHIA - October 4, 2011 (WPVI) -- Police say a woman from Delaware tried to sell her baby to a man from Philadelphia for $15,000.

Arrested are 33-year-old Bridget Wismer, of the unit block of Merriman Road in Brookside Park, Del. and 54-year-old John Gavaghan of the 9100 block of Old Newtown Road in the Pennypack Park section of Philadelphia.

Speaking to Action News on Tuesday, Wismer said this is all a big misunderstanding and no crime had taken place. She said Gavaghan is an old friend who, along with her partner, were trying to help her with her three children.

"He told me he'd help me out and he was like, 'We'll take care of the baby together," Wismer said.

New Castle County detectives say they were contacted in early September by family members who reported that Wismer was trying to sell her newborn son for $15,000.

During the original investigation, the detectives say they were unable to confirm those allegations.

Then, on September 29th, detectives say they were given valuable information in the case by the Delaware State Police Division of Gaming Enforcement.

On September 30th, with the help of Philadelphia police, detectives executed a search warrant on Gavaghan's home and allegedly found not only the baby, but evidence of a crime.

"We did come across evidence, documentation that, on 10 different occasions, there were agreements made - signed by both parties - in reference to the sale of purchase of that baby," said Corp. John Weglarz of the New Castle Co. Police.

"He was going to raise the baby and give the baby a life that I couldn't give because of my situation," Wismer said. "He was just looking out for me and the baby. We both just love this baby so much."

But police say they have documents with information regarding payments and balance due for the child to be born on 9/11. Police say Wismer and Gavaghan signed the documents.

"He was going to take care of this baby financially and help me out with my other two children," said Wismer.

Both Wismer and Gavaghan are charged with Dealing in Children and 2nd-Degree Conspiracy. Both were released from custody on bail.

If convicted, they could be each looking at five years in prison.

The child is currently in foster care.

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philadelphia, pennsylvania, delaware, children, crime

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