NEW ALBANY, MS (abc24.com) - The U.S. Marshals are offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a couple charged in the death of their adopted 2-year-old daughter in New Albany, Mississippi.
Janet and Ramon Baretto are wanted on charges of manslaughter and multiple counts of child endangerment and neglect involving their eight adopted children. The couple dropped off 2-year-old Ena at a north Mississippi hospital in May 2008, saying she had fallen from a shopping cart. The toddler was transported to a children's hospital in Memphis where she later died.
Investigators found the Barretos had adopted seven other children from Central America, all under the age of five; one 3-year-old child only weighed 20 pounds. They also discovered the Barretos were operating a puppy mill, with hundreds of sick and injured animals in cages filled with feces.
The Barretos fled after posting a $450,000 bond, and were last seen in California in June 2012. They also have ties to Texas, Florida, Mississippi and Mexico.
Janet Barreto is described as a white female, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing more than 300 pounds. Ramon Barreto is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 137 pounds. Janet speaks English and Spanish, while Ramon speaks only Spanish.
If you have seen Janet and/or Ramon Barreto or know where they are please contact the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102. Any information provided will be considered confidential, and there is a cash award of up to $2,500 per fugitive available for information leading to their arrest.
