DICKINSON (AP) - A Richardton couple is accused of trying to buy a baby in California.

Arnold Friedt, 44, and Carol Friedt, 42, were being held in separate jails in Los Angeles County on felony charges of purchase of custody. Bail for each was set at $700,000.

The Friedts were arrested as part of an undercover operation in which an officer posed as an expectant mother, Los Angeles Police Detective Moses Castillo said. The couple allegedly offered $10,000 for a baby. They were arrested Tuesday when they arrived at Los Angeles International Airport.

Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said authorities searched the Friedt residence Wednesday and confiscated a safe.

Los Angeles police said Carol Friedt first flew to that city on March 12 to obtain custody of a baby boy from his 28-year-old mother. Authorities said those plans fell through when the infant tested positive for drugs and was taken into protective custody.

At the time, police said, Friedt presented herself to a children's court as a relative of the mother.

A preliminary hearing for the Friedts is scheduled May 10, though Castillo said he expected it to be rescheduled.