Ten children were rescued from a storm bunker in Bibb County, Alabama, in connection with a disturbing child trafficking operation, according to local authorities. Seven individuals have been arrested and charged with a range of serious crimes including human trafficking and child abuse.
The children, ranging in age from 2 to 15, are now in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources and receiving support services. Officials believe the abuse took place over at least three years. Some of the suspects are reportedly parents of the children involved.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Department stated that the bunker, located near a suspect’s family property, was used to conceal the children while the trafficking operation was active. Investigators revealed that the children were subjected to extreme mistreatment and controlled through various forms of coercion.
The suspects arrested include Rebecca Brewer, Sara Louise Terrell, Ricky Terrell, Dalton Terrell, William Chase McElroy, Andres Velazquez-Trejo, and Timothy St. John. Authorities allege that each played a role in the operation and that some coordinated the trafficking activities.
Sheriff Jody Wade condemned the crimes, saying, “No child deserves this… Some of the older children will carry this vividly for the rest of their lives.” He also stated that the full scope of the trafficking ring may not yet be known and that more victims could be identified.
The investigation is ongoing with the involvement of the Department of Homeland Security. Authorities are examining potential connections to organized criminal networks operating beyond state lines.
