Woman sells baby at Delaware Park Racetrack & Casino

Delaware woman charged with selling her baby to a Philly man
By Robert Moran, Inquirer Staff Writer

A Delaware woman has been charged with selling her month-old son to a Philadelphia man, possibly for $15,000, authorities said Tuesday.

Bridget Wismer, 33, was arrested Friday and charged with dealing in children and conspiracy, both felonies, said New Castle County Police Cpl. John Weglarz Sr. Wismer lives in Brookside Park, Del.

New Castle detectives executed a search warrant that same day at the home of John Gavaghan, 54, in Northeast Philadelphia. There they found the baby and 10 "agreement" documents related to the transfer of the boy, Weglarz said. It was not immediately clear how much money changed hands.

The child, who was in good condition, was placed in the custody of social-service agencies in Philadelphia and Delaware before being placed in a foster home.

Gavaghan faces the same charges as Wismer. Both have been released on bail.

On Sept. 4, police received a tip from a family member that "Bridget is attempting to sell her child for $15,000 to a Philadelphia man," Weglarz said.

The police investigation discovered surveillance video of Gavaghan signing some of the agreement documents at Delaware Park Racetrack & Casino, Weglarz said.


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