Mother accused of trying to sell her newborn to the highest bidder on Facebook, police say

(Gray News) – A Texas woman was arrested after she allegedly tried to sell her newborn baby to the highest bidder on Facebook, according to authorities.

The investigation began on September 23 when Houston police received a report that 21-year-old Juniper Bryson was trying to sell her baby in the Facebook group “Birthmothers Seeking Adoptive Parents.”

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

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

Just a few days earlier, Bryson allegedly approached a family member and asked if she knew anyone willing to adopt a child. The DPRK reported this.

During the conversation, Bryson allegedly said that her child would test positive for drugs and stated that she could not keep the child.

A family member wrote on Facebook that the relative was looking for adoptive parents because she did not want the child to end up in foster care.

Bryson’s relative told police that after she posted the message on Facebook, Bryson repeatedly mentioned that whoever wanted to adopt the child “would have to compensate her.” KTRK reports this.

The relative told police she told Bryson it was “illegal” and stopped trying to help her.

According to a relative, Bryson was in the hospital with the baby on Sept. 24 while she waited for “the highest bidder.”

Bryson allegedly told the couple, who were traveling from Louisiana to be with her at the hospital, that she wanted to pay at least $150 up front.

When the couple mentioned adopting through a lawyer, Bryson refused and ultimately blocked him.

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

When the hopeful parents learned of her supposed plan, they told Bryson.

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

Police detained Bryson, who already had two outstanding arrest warrants.

Bryson was charged with selling or buying a child and is currently being held on $30,000 bail.