"I know God's forgiveness is boundless. But if there was a limit to it, I think we've reached it."

At least 10 children were rescued from an underground bunker where they had been sexually exploited for months. The children suffered from sexual assault, rape, sexual torture, and sodomy at the hands of multiple individuals. Seven people have been arrested, including the parents of one of the victims. They have all been charged with human trafficking, rape, sodomy, sexual torture, bestiality, and several other offenses.

During a press conference, Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade stated, “We anticipate more arrests, and unfortunately, more victims.” Sheriff Wade shared that they believe the abuse began in 2023, taking place in an underground bunker in Brent, Alabama, a small city with a population of around 4,000. He noted that the bunker, originally built as a storm shelter, was “used for a horrible thing,” and that traffickers could potentially make up to $1,000 a night from their crimes.

In the bunker, police discovered a filthy mattress, a foldable chair, and a pole. They believe the children were bound to the mattress and tied to the pole. At times, the children were sedated to facilitate their transfer to the underground bunker. As reported by The Washington Post, the 4th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office announced earlier this week that multiple individuals are being prosecuted in connection with this case.

William Chase McElroy and Dalton Terrell, both 21, are accused of multiple counts of rape, human trafficking, sodomy, and sexual abuse. Andres Velazquez-Trejo, 29, faces six counts of human trafficking and is alleged to have sold pornographic images of children. Timothy St. John is charged with rape, sodomy, kidnapping, bestiality, and animal abuse. Rebecca Brewer is charged with human trafficking, while Ricky Terrell is accused of rape. Sara Teller faces charges of sexual torture and sexual abuse of a child younger than 12 years old. All seven individuals are currently being held in custody without bond.

Sheriff Wade stated,

 “I’ve been in law enforcement for 35 years, and this is the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen when it comes to the victimization of children. I know God’s forgiveness is boundless, but if there was a limit to it, I think we’ve reached it.” 

Assistant District Attorney Brian Jones described some of the horrors that took place in the underground bunker

 “There were chairs and beds, and the children were drugged by Mr. Trejo and tied to beds, chairs, and poles. People would come and pay money to have sex with these children.”

Jones noted that there are some individuals involved whose identities may remain unknown, as the children were drugged and may not be able to recognize or identify anyone. Shock collars, typically used for animals, were reportedly placed around the necks and genital areas of the children as a form of punishment and for sexual pleasure.

The investigation began in early February when the State Department of Human Services alerted the Sheriff’s Office to possible sexual abuse occurring against children. The youngest victim was 3 years old and the oldest was 15, but the police department believes more victims may still be identified. Sheriff Wade shared that during the investigation,

 “Two of the victims had been found performing sex acts on each other and told investigators that McElroy had taught them how to perform these acts and had done them to them as well.”

Wade assured that the children are now safe in the custody of the State Department of Human Services, where they are receiving counseling and medical attention. 

“No child deserves this — it’s the most horrible thing you can do. The power and control over them has stolen their innocence and subjected them to horrendous victimization by these monsters.” 

He also noted that the younger children have blurry memories of the events, while some of the older children will carry vivid memories for the rest of their lives. “You can’t heal from this, but you can move on as best as you can.”

Rebecca Brewer, Sara Terrell, and Ricky Terrell were caught heading to an Aniah’s Law hearing, but the judge postponed proceedings as they awaited consultation with their attorneys; they are being held without bond. In a press conference, it was disclosed that Velazquez-Trejo would pour a white powder into the children’s drinks to sedate them. Attorney Jones said,

 “He would tie one child to the bed, one child to a chair, and one to a support pole. Then he would allow people to pay to have sex with the children. It’s hard to fathom that someone can do this to a child. It’s difficult to hear their stories and see the pictures of this bunker, where, according to some witnesses, they were drugged.”

Jones continued, “As bad as it sounds, with Velazquez-Trejo drugging them, it may be a blessing in disguise because they don’t remember a lot of things. I’m hopeful that they won’t experience as much trauma as they would have if they hadn’t been drugged.”

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