Second couple arrested for online "baby for sale" posting

A second couple were investigated and the father arrested, but not charged, for putting their child "for sale" online. The parents say it was a hoax.

The story begs some questions.

• Should authorities check out a case where a baby for sale ad is put on the Internet? Yes.
• Is it a stupid thing for a new parent to do? Yes.
• Should the appropriate response be to put the child in temporary protective custody and arrest one or both of the parents? No!

If you see a baby for sale on eBay or Craigslist, it's probably a hoax.

Bringing a newborn home can be a pretty stressful time for new parents. Posting a nearly-obvious fake ad is probably a way to blow off some steam, albeit not the smartest way to blow off steam.

But do authorities really need to take the child away in protective custody? Do you need to drag the new parent down to jail?

It is unfortunate that police were forced to waste resources to investigate this fake ad. The scrutiny that comes from a visit from the police and the ensuing publicity is probably enough to dissuade a repeat offense. Why arrest and separate a week-old from their parents?