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Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
(NewsNation) — Authorities in Bibb County, Alabama, rescued at least 10 children from an alleged sex trafficking ring run out of an underground bunker.
The investigation into the case, which involved the abuse of young children and animals, began in early February and ended at the underground bunker in Brent, Alabama, about an hour from Birmingham.
Authorities say at least 10 children were drugged and taken to the bunker. Victims ranged from three to 15 years old, according to officers, and multiple suspects have been accused of paying to abuse them.
The traffickers could have made up to $1,000 per night, said Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade.
He described the case as the most horrible thing he had ever seen. The children were not kept permanently in the bunker, Wade said, and the timing of how long they were in there would vary.
"I know God’s forgiveness is boundless. But if there was a limit to it, I think we reached it.” Wade said.
Drone footage shows a bunker where children were rescued. (WIAT)
The bunker was in a partially underground storm shelter. (Bibb County Sheriff's Office)
Officers say at least 10 children were rescued. (WIAT)Wade said police believe the abuse began in 2022 and may have ties to the Sureños gang, which is mostly funded through child trafficking.
“No child deserves this. That’s the most horrible thing you can do. The power and control of it, the stealing the innocence of a child and the horrible victimizations they went through with these monsters,” Wade said.
Investigators described the bunker as a partially underground storm shelter that was not attached to the house and was furnished with a dirty mattress, a few chairs and a small chest of drawers.
Wade described a scenario where children would be tied to a pole, bed or chair while in the bunker and said at times multiple offenders would come to victimize the children by appointment.
Authorities arrested William Chase McElroy, Dalton Terrell, Andres Trejo-Velazquez, Timothy St. John, Rebecca Brewer, Ricky Terrell, and Sara Terrell in connection with the case. The seven suspects face multiple charges, including rape, human trafficking, sodomy, bestiality, sexual torture, cruelty to animals and kidnapping.
All seven are being held at the Bibb County Jail. Under state law, those convicted of a crime involving a child age six or younger face a mandatory minimum sentence of life without parole.
The sheriff said they anticipate more arrests and more victims as they continue to investigate.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 205-926-4683.
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