In a shocking case of alleged human trafficking, a couple from eastern Kentucky, Jacquilyn Keith and Zackary Davis, have been charged with attempting to sell their newborn twin girls for $5,000. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department reported that the couple offered to sell the babies, who were born on February 28, to a relative. This revelation came to light when the relative reported the attempt to police, providing evidence in the form of text messages and a video recording.
The couple, both in their early 20s, were each charged with promoting human trafficking. The twins’ father, Zackary Davis, admitted to police that he had joked about selling the babies, while the mother, Jacquilyn Keith, stated that she wasn’t serious about the attempted sale. Despite these admissions, both indicated they had never actually planned to sell the children.
The case was brought to light by Davis’ sister-in-law, who contacted authorities after the couple agreed to sell their newborn twin girls to her for $5,000. The sister-in-law provided screenshots and a recorded conversation as evidence to support her claims. Dr. Theresa Hayden with the PATH Coalition of Kentucky, which stands for People Against Trafficking Humans, described this case as an example of familial trafficking. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of such crimes and taking action to prevent them in the future.
The couple’s arrest has sparked outrage and concern within the community, as well as a broader discussion about the hidden nature of human trafficking and the challenges families face when dealing with newborns. Dr. Hayden highlighted the difficulties of having two infants at the same time and the potential for families to feel overwhelmed, which could lead to desperate actions. She called for support and resources to be available for families in such situations to prevent such tragedies.
Both Jacquilyn Keith and Zackary Davis are being held in the Jackson County Detention Center, each on a $10,000 bond. They are due in court on March 25th at 9:30 a.m. The Department of Social Services has also been involved in the case, indicating a collaborative effort to address the situation and ensure the well-being of the twins.
This case underscores the severity of human trafficking and the need for vigilance and support for families facing challenges. It also highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of familial trafficking and taking action to prevent such crimes from occurring.
