Truesee's Daily Wonder

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 45-year-old Patty Bigbee, of Holly Hill, on Friday after they said she tried to sell her 12-week old grandson. (Volusia County Branch Jail / November 5, 2010)

Authorities arrested a Holly Hill woman on Friday on charges that she tried to sell her 12-week-old grandson.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 45-year-old Patty Bigbee, of Holly Hill, on Friday. Investigators said they arrested her about 4 p.m., when she met with a buyer in Daytona Beach.

Deputies announced later Friday that they'd arrested a second person connection with the case.

Lawrence Works, 42, of Holly Hill, was charged with being a principal to the illegal sale or surrender of a child. It's unclear what his connection is to Bigbee or the child.

 
The FDLE said the investigation began in October, when they said Bigbee approached an unidentified "third party," offering to sell the baby for $75,000.

Investigators say the buyer talked down the price of the infant to $30,000, which Bigbee agreed to accept. FDLE agents said they arrested Bigbee at the scene of the would-be transaction, turning the infant over to the Department of Children and Families.

Officials said the baby's mother is currently incarcerated on unrelated charges. Bigbee was booked into Volusia County Jail on charges of illegal sale or surrender of a child and communication fraud.

The FDLE said its investigation is ongoing. Officials described the buyer as a "confidential source."

A Department of Children and Families spokesman said the baby showed no outward signs of neglect or abuse and is "doing well."

Spokesman John Harrell said the baby will be subjected to a full physical screening. The FDLE initially said the baby was eight weeks old, but Harrell said the child was actually 12 weeks old.

He said the baby's mother had no history of child abuse or neglect.