Man disputes 'baby sale' allegations

A man arrested on suspicion of trying to buy a woman's baby said Wednesday that the money he gave the mother was intended only as help.

Jose-Juan Lerma, 47, and his wife, Irene, 27, were arrested Tuesday along with the 5-month-old boy's mother, Nicole Uribe, 23, on charges of child trafficking.

Police suspected Uribe gave her baby to the couple in exchange for cash and a down payment on a used Dodge Intrepid. Court documents indicated Uribe had signed a document believing he was handing over custody to the Lermas.

Jose-Juan Lerma told KUSA-TV in Denver and KOAA-TV in Colorado Springs that Uribe, who was living with the couple, had been weighing whether to give her son away. Uribe offered to let the Lermas care for the baby, Lerma said.

The baby has been placed in foster care.

"I got to defend myself because God knows I did nothing wrong," Lerma told KUSA. "I don't feel bad because I just did it because I've got a good heart."

He was free on $50,000 bail. Irene Lerma and Uribe remained jailed Wednesday.

Police Sgt. Brett Wilson did not immediately return a message left after business hours.