A Missouri woman was arrested on Sunday for abusing children in her care.

Lincoln County prosecutors said foster parent Brenda Deutsch, 70, hit children with a paddle, wooden trim from walls, and a shoe. She was also accused of starving a child and taking their clothes, according to KTVI.

Prosecutors said they filed criminal charges against Deutsch after a child vanished and was later found in Texas. The girl, who had been in Deutsch’s care for four years, was eventually adopted by Deutsch.

According to KTVI, an anonymous call was made to social services in November 2024. In February, school officials learned the girl was missing school. After it was determined the girl was in Texas with Deutsch’s friend, another witness said they were asked to take the child in exchange for a monkey.

Deutsch’s friend reportedly said that Deutsch did not want her adopted daughter back. Deutsch contended that she gave the girl a plane ticket to return, but her friend did not have a way to the airport.

Deutsch had two children in her care at the time of her arrest. Prosecutors said about 250 calls were placed to a child abuse hotline about Deutsch’s home over 15 years. However, this is the first time Deutsch has faced criminal charges.

Deutsch remains jailed on a $250,000 cash bond.

[Feature Photo: Lincoln County police]