Bogus Illinois Adoption Results in Two Felony Theft Counts
By Julia Spalding
Published on February 17, 2006
Melissa Sparks, 26, allegedly made fraudulent deals with both Bethany Christian Services in Chicago, and the Family Resource Center Adoption Agency in Chicago. When Sparks gave birth in November, she kept the baby, along with money and gift cards received between last July and November in association with the failed adoption deal.
According to Illinois law, pregnant women who get gifts from prospective adoptive families or agencies do not legally have to return these gifts if they choose to keep their babies. However, Sparks broke the law by obtaining money under fraudulent agreements to give the baby to more than one person.
Madison County prosecutors charged Sparks with two felony theft counts and set her bond at $80,000.
Keyword Tags: