Police Investigates After Shocking Craigslist Ad Offers Wisconsin Elementary School Students For Sale

Administrators at Forest Glen Elementary school in Suamico, Wisconsin, proceeded with caution on Monday after they were notified about an unsettling “Children for Sale” ad that was posted on Craigslist, according to WBAY.

At around 11:30 a.m., an unnamed parent called the elementary school to inform staff that someone posted an anonymous ad on Craigslist, stating that there were children for sale at the school, costing only $17.

The Craigslist ad read, “Children for Sale – Forest Glen Elementary. Hundreds of kids to choose from. Pick and Run. Male or Female ages 5-9.”

The school immediately alerted the Brown County Sheriff’s Office about the “Children for Sale” Craigslist ad and later alerted parents.

Sheriff’s Lt. Jim Valley stated that “we will take it and we will look into it. It appears to be something that is not so serious and someone wants to play a joke, but sometimes you just don’t know what they are looking at. But our goal, the school and law enforcement, is to keep the children safe and take appropriate action.”

Super creepy! Craigslist ad offers "children for sale" at elementary school https://t.co/nUNTvSOxoP via @nbc4i pic.twitter.com/Apmy7FgQS1

— The Real Bryan Johnson (@BryanJohnson__) September 20, 2016

Just before the parent called the school, teachers at Forest Glen Elementary were about to send the children outside for recess but after the disturbing Craigslist ad was found, the children were kept inside.

At the end of the day, administrators informed parents via email that their “children’s safety is our highest priority. We immediately consulted the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and they are investigating the situation.”

Therefore, the school is “requiring students who walk or bike home from school to be picked up or escorted home by an adult today.”

If the students’ “transportation home consists of pick-up, bus or day care transportation – this will continue as normal,” the email stated.

Nicole Everson, whose daughter attends the elementary school, said, “I like that they took this precaution to have them inside instead of having them stand out here because sometimes there are kids waiting for their parents when they are late for whatever reason.”

Everest went on to say that “it’s a scary situation for any parent but I completely trust that the school and sheriff’s department will continue to keep the kids safe.”

“I would go in there every day to pick her up if that is needed.”

After the administrators at Forest Glen Elementary school was made aware of the “Children for Sale” Craigslist ad, the principal, Angie Sorenson, released a statement to all parents, which stated as follows.

“Today proceeded as a typical day. The only exception was that after we were notified of the posting we continued with indoor recess.

“While we have no reason to believe student safety is at risk for dismissal today, we are proceeding with caution and will have parents pick up any students who are scheduled to walk or bike home from school.

“We will follow-up with you if and when we learn more from the Sheriff’s Department.”

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office stated that they contacted Craigslist about the “Children for sale” ad, and it has since been removed from the site, WRN reported.

However, Valley added that this should be a reminder to all parents and the community to “be aware of your children and your children’s surroundings. The school and the sheriff’s office can only do so much and sometimes we rely on parents and relatives to help protect our community and protect our kids.”

Since the advertisement was posted anonymously, police officials have yet to locate the person responsible for posting the ad. However, it was reported that even if authorities locate that person, “it could be difficult to prosecute them without knowing what their intentions were.”

Valley stated that the Craigslist ad was probably a joke, but an investigation is ongoing.

As of Tuesday, the school district stated that “recess and dismissal procedures have returned to normal.”

[Featured Image by Patricia Hofmeester/iStock Photo]