Mother accused of selling newborn baby to the 'highest bidder' on Facebook, police say

(Gray News) – A woman in Texas was arrested after allegedly trying to sell her newborn baby to the “highest bidder” on Facebook, authorities said.

The investigation began on September 23, when Houston police received a report that 21-year-old Juniper Bryson was trying to sell her baby on a Facebook group “Birth Mothers Looking for Adoptive Parents.”

She said she was in the Houston area but was willing to travel.

A woman in Texas was arrested after allegedly trying to sell her newborn baby to… — A woman in Texas was arrested after allegedly trying to sell her newborn baby to the “highest bidder” on Facebook, authorities said.(Source: Harris County Jail)

A few days earlier, Bryson reportedly contacted a relative, asking if she knew anyone who wanted to adopt. KPRC reports this.

During the conversation, Bryson allegedly said her baby would test positive for drugs and she couldn’t keep him.

The relative posted on Facebook that a relative was looking for adoptive parents because she didn’t want the child to end up in the foster system.

Bryson’s relative told police that after Bryson posted on Facebook, she repeatedly said that whoever wanted to adopt the child “should compensate” her. KTRK reported this.

The family member told police she informed Bryson this was “illegal” and stopped trying to help her.

According to the family member, Bryson was at the hospital with the baby on September 24 as she waited for the “highest bidder.”

Bryson allegedly told a couple who traveled from Louisiana to be with her at the hospital that she wanted at least $150 upfront.

When the couple said the adoption would go through a lawyer, Bryson refused and eventually blocked him.

Meanwhile, Bryson allegedly roped in other hopeful parents, including a licensed foster care provider, who traveled to the hospital and was present during the birth.

When the hopeful parents got wind of her alleged plan, they confronted Bryson about it.

The 21-year-old then kicked them out of the recovery room. The couple then called Child Protective Services, who contacted police.

Police arrested Bryson, who already had two outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Bryson was charged with sale or purchase of a child and is currently being held on a $30,000 bond.