Police: Man tries to sell children on Craigslist

New York State Police have arrested a man accused of posting his children for sale on Craigslist.

Joshua Stagnitto told police it was a joke, said Investigator Bryan R. Blum of New York State Police in Rochester. Stagnitto turned himself in when he got transportation to come to the police station, Blum said.

Stagnitto, 24, of Brockport, is charged with one count of falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.

Blum told CNN the charge against Stagnitto stems from the fact "that he indicated a baseless allegation of a crime which caused public alarm" and triggered an investigation.

A member of the public called child protective services earlier in April after seeing the post. Authorities began a probe, and had to "make sure that if there are two kids for sale, that they be tracked down and nothing happened to them," Blum said.

When questioned by police, Stagnitto admitted he put the posting on Craigslist, the investigator said.

The two children remain with Stagnitto and their mother, whom Blum described as Stagnitto's "significant other."

Police do not believe the children are in any danger, he said.

If convicted of the misdemeanor charge, Stagnitto could face up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $1,000, Blum said.

Government trying to flip a buck any way they can... Lol! I see the comedy in this... Who hasn't toyed with the idea of selling their kids on the black market? Lol! Aparantly this guy took it to the next level... Is anyone really that stupid to try and sell children on a now (government sanctioned) Site? It all started when there were hitmen for hire on there, let alone prostitutes... I can't even find a decent car for sale on there, which is why I always drive new cars.

there was a lady awhile back that posted in the free section that offered to give her child away.. of course she was reported

Geesh! What a wonderful world we all share...

hard to prove whether these things are pranks or for real,,,if people are actually CAUGHT exchanging its one thing,,,,


an advertisement that may or may not have been for real,,,,doesnt seem like such a crime,,,

I never thought to use craigslist for buying and selling offspring. I normally just use it for drugs and sex.