In a shocking turn of events, a Texas woman has been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell her newborn son on Facebook. Juniper Bryson, 21, reportedly posted in an online adoption group just hours after giving birth, seeking prospective parents for her baby but expecting financial compensation in return. This disturbing case raises serious concerns about the potential for exploitation within online adoption arrangements.
According to police reports, Bryson posted a photo of her newborn son in a Facebook group called “The Birth Mother Is Looking for Adoptive Parents.” While the post initially appeared to be a genuine call for an adoptive family, Bryson’s true intentions soon became clear. She allegedly expressed her desire for money in exchange for the child, citing financial difficulties as her motivation. Bryson claimed she needed funds to secure housing, find work, and possibly regain custody of her daughter. Case documents reveal that Bryson stated: “It’s not even like that, just enough to move into an apartment so I can work a job and get (my daughter) back, or a cheap down payment, or any car to get to different places to DoorDash. Nothing crazy at all.”
This plea for money raised serious concerns among potential adoptive families, several of whom initially expressed interest without knowing about her financial demands.
ABC News reported that Bryson allegedly spoke with multiple families about adopting her child, including a same-sex couple from Louisiana who drove overnight to pick up the baby. However, their plans changed abruptly when Bryson requested money. Initially, she asked the couple for $25 to cover food delivery costs, but the demand soon escalated to $150. According to sources, Bryson reportedly said, “If the baby wasn’t worth $200 to them, then screw all,” when the couple decided not to proceed with the adoption.
Wendy Williams, a local woman who had developed a friendship with Bryson during her pregnancy, also expressed interest in adopting the baby. Williams had even accompanied Bryson to the hospital. However, after Bryson allegedly began sending troubling messages, Williams confronted her and was ultimately removed from the hospital. Fearing for the baby’s safety, Williams reported the incident to Child Protection Services (CPS). “It was very heartbreaking, not just because we didn’t get a baby out of this, but because I think his safety is definitely above all,” Williams said, reflecting on the distressing situation.
The arrest of Juniper Bryson has sparked intense debate online, with many calling for increased protections against the misuse of social media platforms in adoption cases. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for thorough vetting and safeguards to ensure the safety and well-being of children involved in adoption processes. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone considering adoption to exercise caution and seek guidance from reputable adoption agencies or legal professionals to avoid becoming victims of exploitation.