Nation IN BRIEF / FLORIDA : Baby Disappearance Led to Eavesdropping

Investigators in Hillsborough, Fla., used a high-powered microphone to listen in on the conversations of a couple indicted in the disappearance of their 5-month-old daughter. Circuit Chief Judge F. Dennis Alvarez gave State Atty. Harry Lee Coe III permission to use the device at the home of Marlene and Steven Aisenberg, starting on Dec. 12, 1997. The judge allowed the eavesdropping microphone to remain in place for 90 days, according to court records. The alleged conversations are included in a federal indictment issued against Marlene and Steven Aisenberg. The Aisenbergs have not been charged with murder or kidnapping but allegedly talked about what to tell authorities and faking a kidnapping, according to the indictment. Mrs. Aisenberg allegedly blamed husband Steven for killing baby Sabrina. She is quoted as saying: “The baby’s dead and buried! It was found dead because you did it,” according to the indictment.