A 21-year-old pregnant woman in Texas was arrested after she tried to sell her unborn baby on the social media platform Facebook.
Juniper Bryson, 21, posted an advertisement in the Facebook group "Birth Mothers Looking for Adoptive Parent(s)" for adoptive parents in September. In the post, Bryson said she was looking for "adoptive parents" for her unborn baby.
The day before the posting, Bryson was said to have reached out to a family member living out of state and asked them if they knew anyone looking to adopt a child. Bryson disclosed that the baby would be drug-positive, according to ABC 13, citing court records.
Who Offered To Adopt Bryson's Baby?
At least seven individuals responded to her Facebook post. One of the individuals, who was identified as licensed foster care provider Wendy Williams, told the outlet that she traveled to meet Bryson in the hospital and accompany her during labor. She also said she watched the 21-year-old struggle with withdrawal after giving birth.
Both parties later signed documents giving Williams the ability to make legal decisions for the baby. The documents were notarized.
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Uncovering the Scheme
While in the hospital, Bryson tagged Williams in a Facebook post saying she found a home for her baby. This spurred a flood of comments against Williams.
"A lot of people started commenting really really ugly things," Williams recalled. "'How dare you sell this baby?' And then they were tagging me, 'How dare you buy this baby?'"
Williams was confused as Bryson had never discussed payment with her. She later contacted Child Protective Services, who came and arrested the 21-year-old.
Williams later uncovered messages Bryson was exchanging with other individuals, adding that those made it clear the 21-year-old was only "waiting for the highest bidder" for her baby.
It was also later uncovered that Bryson had received money from a same-sex couple, who had driven halfway from Lousiana to Houston when they got a message asking for a $150 money transfer. The couple asked Bryson if they could discuss the matter over the phone but she refused to communicate with the couple unless the money is sent.
Williams asked for custody of the baby. However, a judge gave the child to one of Bryson's acquaintances.
