According to Law & Crime, 21-year-old Juniper Bryson was taken into custody in Texas last week on charges of felony sale or purchase of a child. 

Authorities allege that Bryson attempted to sell her unborn son on Facebook, reportedly offering the child to the “highest bidder” and requesting at least $150 upfront before going into labor, Law & Crime reports.

This post, which drew attention from social media users, led to a tip that ultimately prompted law enforcement to take action.

“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,” the affidavit states. “[The prospective parent] stated that 3.5 hours into their trip to Houston, she asked them to send her $150.”

Bryson’s relative said she asked people for money on Facebook.

“What do you mean compensate? Like pay you $ for the baby? You want $$ for your baby?!” the relative allegedly told Bryson. “That’s illegal, that’s human trafficking.”

“No it’s not, it’s surrogacy,” Bryson allegedly responded. “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.”

Texas Penal Code Section 25.08 classifies the sale or purchase of a child as a felony, typically carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 for third-degree felonies. 

However, the charge can be elevated if the transaction is linked to further exploitative intentions, such as trafficking. Law & Crime reports that the case has spotlighted the troubling use of social media for illegal child trafficking attempts.

#Clique, this might be happening more and more now. 😫