A 21-year-old lady in Texas was arrested after reportedly attempting to sell her newborn baby boy to the “highest bidder” on Facebook, demanding at least $150 up front before going into labor.
Juniper Bryson was arrested last week and charged with one count of felony child sale or purchase, according to records examined by Law&Crime.
According to a probable cause document, the Houston Police Department received a tip on September 23, 2024, saying that Bryson was attempting to sell her unborn kid over the social media platform.
The day before, she had posted in a forum called “Birthing women looking for adoptive parent(s),” saying, “I am in Houston, TX but prepared to travel if we can arrange it. I’m in a lot of discomfort and contracting, so it needs to be soon.
Bryson also contacted a family member, asking if she knew anyone who was looking to adopt a child. She also told the family member that the baby would test positive for drugs. The family member posted on Facebook that a relative was looking for adoptive parents because she didn’t want the child to go into foster care. Several people apparently commented on the post.
Bryson’s relative informed police that after posting on Facebook, Bryson constantly stated that anybody wanted to adopt the child “was gonna have to compensate” her.
“What do you mean by compensate?” Like pay you money for the baby? “You want money for your baby?” the relative allegedly said Bryson. “That’s illegal, that’s human trafficking.”
“No, it’s surrogacy,” Bryson allegedly said. “Just enough to relocate into an apartment so I can work and bring [my daughter] back, or a low down payment, or any automobile to drive to different DoorDash locations. “There is nothing crazy about it.”
The relative informed police that she quickly posted another Facebook post about Bryson requesting payment and quit attempting to assist her. According to the relative, on September 24, Bryson was in the hospital with the baby “while she waits for the highest bidder.”
A search of Bryson’s phone found that she had direct messaged several people who commented to her relative’s post.
In one communication, Bryson allegedly informed a same-sex couple going from Louisiana to be with her at the hospital, “I’m not waiting to get paid until after [giving birth],” claiming she would “ask for a minimum of 150 bucks up front.” The request arrived after the couple had already sent her money for a lunch.
“Juniper [Bryson] sent him a picture of the food she was trying to order, and he sent her money, a total of $25 via Apple Pay to complete the food delivery,” according to the witness statement. “[The prospective parent] stated that 3.5 hours into their trip to Houston, she asked them to send her $150.”
When the prospective parent suggested going via an attorney, Bryson objected, demanded $150, and eventually blocked him, stating, “If her baby wasn’t worth $200 to them, then screw ya’ll.”
According to the affidavit, Bryson expresses her need for compensation for her child in interactions with at least seven persons.
Bryson is presently being jailed at the Harris County Jail on a $30,000 bail. She is set to appear in court again on November 7.