A 21-year-old Texas woman is behind bars, accused of attempting to sell her newborn baby on Facebook.
According to ABC 13, court records revealed that Juniper Bryson posted in a Facebook group called “Birth Mothers Looking for Adoptive Parent(s)” on September 22, stating she was located in Houston but willing to travel. A day earlier, she allegedly contacted an out-of-state family member to inquire if they knew anyone interested in adoption.
Bryson then reportedly indicated that the child would be drug-positive.
“She [Bryson] needs someone there during labor and take the baby boy home. She doesn’t want him going into foster care,” the family member said, FOX 26 reports.
When Bryson mentioned receiving money for the child, the family member warned her that it was illegal and described her as sounding “crazy,” officials said. Later, Bryson told authorities she had no idea of her true intentions when she initially reached out.
Bryson also allegedly told the family member she needed enough money “to move into an apartment so I can work a job… or a cheap down payment on any car to get to different places to door dash—nothing crazy at all.”
Court records indicated that a woman was at the hospital when Bryson gave birth, hoping to adopt the child. The woman, identified as Wendy Williams, who is licensed to adopt and foster children, contacted Bryson previously about the infant. After their discussion, she went to the hospital, believing Bryson would deliver sooner than expected.
Williams stated that Bryson eventually gave birth on September 24, and tests later confirmed drugs in the newborn boy’s system.
Officials said that after giving birth, Bryson shared a photo of the infant on Facebook, tagging Williams, who then began receiving scathing messages from others.
“A lot of people started commenting really really ugly things,” Williams told ABC 13. “‘How dare you sell this baby?’ And then they were tagging me, ‘How dare you buy this baby?’”
Afterward, Williams understood the situation and notified the nurse and Child Protective Services with screenshots of the initial Facebook post.
When Williams confronted Bryson about the situation, Bryson allegedly kicked her out of the recovery room.
Following the confrontation, Child Protective Services contacted the police.
Williams informed investigators that Bryson had mentioned payment, but after reviewing Bryson’s message exchanges with other women, she learned Bryson was involved in a bidding war, “waiting for the highest bidder.”
Police arrested Bryson on September 26. She consented to sign documents giving up custody. While Williams sought custody of the child, a judge ultimately granted him to one of Bryson’s acquaintances.
Bryson is being held on a $30,000 bond, at the Harris County jail. She’s been charged with sale or purchase of a child.
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[Feature Photo via Harris County Jail]
