JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A Jacksonville Beach mother is accused of selling her 6-year-old daughter for sex in exchange for drugs.
Dalina Nicholas, 39, was being held in Columbus, Ga., late Saturday, awaiting extradition to Jacksonville Beach.
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Police said Nicholas sold her 6-year-old daughter to two men in Jacksonville Beach in exchange for crack cocaine.
A warrant for her arrest was issued last week.
Nicholas' Jacksonville Beach neighbors said they were shocked at the news and found out after watching Channel 4.
"A 6-year-old? Are you serious? That's disgusting. That's insane," neighbor Ronnie Swartz said.
They said they never saw any police activity and could never have imagined what was going on.
"It's disgusting. I can't even fathom the thought. I have a 3-year-old and a 2-year-old. I can't fathom it," Maria Sullo said.
The Department of Children and Families is investigating the case. John Harrell said the allegations are disturbing and that DCF hasn't seen a case like this one in several years. He said a team of doctors was called in to help the little girl.
"Our primary concerns at DCF are the safety and wellbeing of this child," Harrell said. "This child is now in a safe environment with relatives. And additionally, our partners at the Children's Home Society are providing services to help this child, which include therapy and counseling."
The two men accused of having sex with Nicholas's daughter, Quinn Brooks, 56, and John Hagans, 47, were charged with rape. Hagans has been arrested at least 12 times in Duval County; Brooks has been arrested seven times. Dalina Nicholas has no local record.
Both were being held in the Duval County jail on no bond.
Jacksonville Beach police are expected to head to Muscogee County to pick Nicholas up sometime this week.