Overview
- Authorities say Howell Gene Penton, 73, allegedly offered to purchase a woman's infant daughter at the Angie Auction House in Washington Parish.
- The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit opened the case on Nov. 26 with assistance from the Angie Police Department.
- Detectives ran an undercover operation on Nov. 29 that led to an arrest warrant and Penton’s same-day arrest without incident.
- Penton is charged with the sale of minor children and remains in custody on a $200,000 bond, according to officials.
- Investigators say the case is active, the auction house is cooperating, and tips can be directed to the sheriff’s office at 985-839-3434.