Mother and father arrested after trying to swap their children for drugs

Two parents in California have been accused of trying to sell their children in exchange for money or drugs.

Vincent Calogero, 38, and Sarah Nilson, 32, were detained after deputies from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of possible child abuse.

In a press release announcing the arrests on Monday (18 December), the sheriff's office thanked local residents "who intervened in response to the danger the children were in and contacted law enforcement".

The police said Calogero and Nilson had been attempting to give and/or sell their children in exchange for money or drugs.

The pair face charges relating to child endangerment, child neglect and drug abuse. They are being held in custody on $100,000 (£74,000) bail.

Their two sons, whose ages have not been disclosed, have been placed in the custody of Department of Children and Family Services personnel.