Police in Bibb County, Alabama, arrested seven suspects in a child sex-trafficking operation. The suspects, including parents and family members, allegedly held at least 10 children captive in an underground storm bunker for three years, subjecting them to sexual torture.
The arrests occurred recently, with details revealed at a Wednesday press conference. Authorities say the ring was run for profit, with clients paying up to $1,000 to abuse the victims, who ranged in age from 2 to 15.
Suspects and Charges
The arrested individuals face charges including sodomy, rape, sexual torture, and human trafficking.
They are:
- Rebecca Brewer, 29
- Sara Louise Terrell, 41
- Ricky Terrell, 44
- Dalton Terrell, 21
- William Chase McElroy, 21
- Andres Velazquez-Trejo, 29
- Timothy St. John, 23
Each suspect had a specific role in the operation, investigators report.
Velazquez-Trejo allegedly drugged the children by adding white powder to their drinks before clients arrived.
During the abuse, victims were tied to furniture like a dirty mattress, a chair, or a support pole.
The bunker was located in or near a house owned by McElroy’s elderly grandparent.
Two victims told police that McElroy taught them sexual acts and performed them himself.
Sara Louise Terrell allegedly used animal shock collars on the children’s genitals for punishment and gratification.
Victims included children of Sara Louise Terrell, Velazquez-Trejo, and Brewer.
Velazquez-Trejo and Brewer have three children together. Brewer has a fourth child from another relationship, though it’s unclear how many were involved.
The three Terrells are related, but their exact connections remain unclear.
Other suspects handled selling and buying access to the children.
Velazquez-Trejo also sold nude photos of the victims, per court documents.
Ongoing Investigation
Sheriff Jody Wade said there’s no way to know how many more victims exist as the probe continues.
The investigation involves the Department of Homeland Security.
It will examine possible links to the Mexican gang Seranos, which profits mainly from child sex trafficking.
All victims are now with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, receiving counseling.
“No child deserves this, the power and control of it, the stealing the innocence of a child and the horrible victimization they went through with these monsters,” Wade said.
He added that some older children will remember this vividly forever. “You can’t heal from this, but you can move on as best you can.”
“I know God’s forgiveness is boundless, but if there is a limit, we’ve reached it,” Wade stated.
Five suspects are set for arraignment in August.
