In a disturbing case out of Texas, 21-year-old Juniper Bryson has been arrested and charged with felony sale or purchase of a child after allegedly attempting to sell her newborn son on Facebook to the “highest bidder.” Bryson reportedly sought a minimum of $150 in advance before even giving birth and used a Facebook group called “Birthing mothers looking for adoptive parent(s)” to attract prospective buyers. She described herself as in need of quick cash, saying she’d use it to secure housing or a vehicle to support herself and regain custody of her daughter.
Juniper Bryson, 21, of #Houston, #Texas, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell her newborn baby on Facebook
In September, Bryson posted in an online group called “Birth Mothers Looking for Adoptive Parent(s),” offering her soon-to-be-born child for adoption
Bryson… pic.twitter.com/2NP4Mg5rhX
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) November 2, 2024
Texas mom Juniper Bryson charged with selling baby on Facebook. All of these people who either tried to sell or tried to buy this precious child need to be locked up for life. https://t.co/zRDTlRg3be
— Mike Ponti (@PontiMike) November 4, 2024
The incident came to the attention of Houston Police after a family member reported Bryson’s activities, including posts advertising her unborn baby to strangers online. In a message exchange, the relative warned Bryson that her actions constituted human trafficking. Bryson allegedly dismissed this, claiming, “No it’s not, it’s surrogacy.” According to the affidavit, she further explained that she needed “just enough to move into an apartment” or “a cheap down payment” to stabilize her situation.
Police investigators found evidence on Bryson’s phone showing messages to several prospective buyers, including a same-sex couple from Louisiana. This couple reportedly sent her $25 via Apple Pay for a food delivery, and Bryson allegedly demanded $150 more for “upfront” compensation. When the couple suggested involving an attorney to legalize the process, Bryson blocked them, saying, “if her baby wasn’t worth $200 to them, then screw y’all.”
Meanwhile, another woman, Wendy Williams, who had accompanied Bryson at the hospital, ended up signing legal documents that allowed her temporary decision-making authority for the newborn. Williams and her husband even gave the baby a name, reportedly believing they were supporting Bryson in finding a home for the child. But things took a turn when Williams was inundated with accusatory messages on Facebook, with strangers claiming she “bought” the baby. Williams reached out to Child Protective Services (CPS) after confronting Bryson about the backlash, leading CPS to alert law enforcement.
Police ultimately took Bryson into custody at the hospital. She has been booked into the Harris County Jail with a $30,000 bond and is set to appear in court on November 7. Currently, the child is reportedly staying with a friend of Bryson’s, as CPS continues to investigate the case.
This case has drawn attention to the troubling rise of online trafficking, especially involving children, and the lengths some individuals may go to when facing desperate circumstances.
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