Judge doubles bail for woman accused of trying to sell baby on Facebook

A Houston woman accused of trying to sell her newborn baby on social media faces increased bail, set at $60,000, following her latest court appearance.

Juniper Bryson, 21, originally held on $30,000 bail, appeared in court where prosecutors presented additional arguments about her alleged actions and the potential risk they said she posed to the community .

Harris County District Attorney Ashlea Sheridan explained that the decision to increase Bryson's bond was based on the nature of the case and the defendant's potential flight risk due to connections outside of Texas.

BACKGROUND: Houston mother is accused of trying to sell her newborn to the highest bidder on Facebook

“After hearing the facts of the case as well as the safety concerns I raised, the judge determined that the bond was insufficient and increased the bond to $60,000,” she said.

Sheridan emphasized the seriousness of the allegations.

“When we have an allegation like this, where a person offers to sell their newborn child, it poses major safety concerns for both the community and the complainant themselves,” she said. “The nature of the crime itself, I think it took into account, some details about the defendant's criminal history and possible connections outside the state of Texas could potentially make them a flight risk,” she said. “All of that goes into the decision whether to reduce or increase her bail.”

Sheridan also noted the availability of safe and legal options for women in difficult situations, stating, “We know that some mothers are in difficult situations, perhaps they don't have the financial ability to care for their child, or they are in a difficult situation.” Bad situation, but there is always another option. There are options and resources available to them at the hospital to safely and legally place their child for adoption.”

The newborn is believed to be in the care of CPS or in the care of a family member, Sheridan added.

Bryson's defense attorney, Vic Vij, argued in court that Bryson had been traumatized and abused in the past.

“We will wait for all the facts to emerge in court, but I want to let you know right away that Ms. Bryson has been a victim of human trafficking, fruit trafficking and forced prostitution on multiple sources.” Women who have been victims for years. She just turned 21. She was brutally treated most of her life. And I feel like she is being victimized by the state again,” Vij said.

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Vij expressed further concerns about Bryson's mental health, saying: “I haven't seen the Facebook recordings yet but I'm worried about her mental health. I worry about her ability or desire to remain as she is on this planet. She is distraught. She is devastated. She can’t imagine being away from her children.”

Vij detailed Bryson's background and shared that she was “the victim of a compelling prostitution case in the 184th District Court.” The decision on this person is postponed before this court. She was mistreated. She was attacked. She was the victim of serious bodily harm. Several people abused her outside this court and other courts in Harris County. Several of these people have gone to prison. Some of these people are on probation. She’s been victimized for years.”

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Court documents show the case began on September 23, when authorities received reports that Bryson was allegedly trying to sell her baby.

Bryson reportedly said in messages with an acquaintance on September 21 that she couldn't keep the baby, adding that it would test positive for drugs. Shortly thereafter, Bryson allegedly posted in a Facebook group looking for adoptive parents, where she expressed her willingness to travel if an arrangement could be made.

At the hospital, investigators allege she was “waiting for the highest bidder” to complete the adoption agreement.

Bryson's next court date is scheduled for January 15, 2025.