Missouri Foster Parent Accused of Heinous Abuse, Allegedly Traded Teen for Exotic Animal

Missouri foster parent faces charges of child abuse, accused of assaulting and abandoning a teenager.

Lincoln County, MO — A foster and adoptive parent with a long history in Missouri’s child welfare system has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of abuse and neglect after authorities uncovered alarming allegations of physical abuse and abandonment involving a teenage girl.

Brenda Ruth Deutsch, a 62-year-old woman from Winfield, was taken into custody this weekend. She now faces two counts of child abuse or neglect and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, according to Lincoln County Prosecutor Mike Wood.

The investigation into Deutsch began last November when she attempted to send the teen girl in her care to Texas, allegedly to live with a friend. This prompted an anonymous tip to the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division, claiming the child was experiencing severe mental and physical abuse.

In an interview with police, the teenage victim described a pattern of physical abuse and humiliation. She said Deutsch struck her with objects such as a wooden paddle, shoes, and wooden trim and even enlisted someone to hold her down while she was beaten on her bare skin.

The teen also reported that Deutsch would take away her clothing and give it to others as punishment. She described being hospitalized in a psychiatric facility and later institutionalized in a residential care center for nine months, allegedly at Deutsch’s direction.

In perhaps the most harrowing detail, the girl said she was sent to a friend of Deutsch’s in Texas, where she was left alone in a filthy home with exotic animals and unsanitary living conditions. A witness told investigators that Deutsch informed her friend they could "keep the girl" but that Deutsch would “keep the check,” referring to financial support payments for the child’s care.

Police are also investigating shocking allegations that Deutsch may have traded the teenage girl in exchange for a monkey. Prosecutor Wood confirmed that the Winfield woman is known to collect exotic animals and that a witness claimed they were asked to bring the girl to Texas and return with a monkey.

“We have to investigate further to determine if that’s credible or true,” Wood said.

Even more alarming is the revelation that Deutsch has fostered over 200 children. Wood expressed shock that no prior police reports or criminal investigations were on record for the home despite growing community concern.

“As we broke it open, it seems like this was a very well-known residence where abuse may have been occurring for over a decade,” Wood stated. “It’s alarming and problematic.”

The teenage girl was eventually removed from the Texas residence and placed under the care of child protective services. Authorities believe more victims may come forward as the investigation continues.

Deutsch is being held on a $250,000 bond. Her initial court appearance is expected as early as Tuesday. Prosecutor Wood indicated that additional charges are possible, given the scope of the allegations and the number of children previously placed in her care.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Brenda Ruth Deutsch or her treatment of children in her care to contact local law enforcement or child protective services.