Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade held a press conference , recorded live on ABC 33/40’s Facebook page, to detail the horrifying findings of a months-long investigation into a child sex trafficking ring that authorities say may have victimized at least 15 children. The abuse, which reportedly began as early as 2022, occurred in a concealed underground bunker behind a home on Aaron Drive.
The case came to light on February 4, 2025, after the Alabama Department of Human Resources received a report of suspected child abuse. Investigators from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home and discovered evidence of ongoing sexual abuse involving children. The abuse occurred in a storm shelter that looked like an ordinary carport from the outside but concealed a bunker underneath.
“It just looks like a shed where you park cars, but when you go around back, it’s actually an underground storm cellar where all the incidents took place,” Wade explained. “It was built for a good thing and used for a horrible thing.”
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Inside the bunker, investigators found a dirty mattress, a chair, and other furnishings where the abuse occurred. The victims, ranging from 3 to 15 years old, were allegedly drugged, bound to furniture, and subjected to repeated sexual abuse.
“Sometimes the children would be there, tied to a pole that was there, bound to a bed that was there, or a chair that was there. Sometimes, there would be multiple people that would come by and victimize these children on a nightly basis,” Wade said.
Seven people have been arrested in connection with the case: William Chase McElroy, Dalton Terrell, Andres Trejo-Velazquez, Timothy St. John, Rebecca Brewer, Ricky Terrell, and Sara Terrell. Charges against the suspects include rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, sexual torture, human trafficking, kidnapping, and bestiality.
“Some of the suspects are related, but other suspects are acquaintances or people who paid to victimize children,” Wade noted.
Wade indicated that the abuse may have continued undetected for years and that more arrests and victims are expected as the investigation continues. Federal agencies, including Homeland Security, are assisting in the investigation, which has also revealed possible connections to the Sureños gang.
“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.
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The children have been removed from the home and are now in the care of the Alabama Department of Human Resources, receiving medical, emotional, and psychological support. Wade emphasized the importance of protecting the children’s identities and minimizing further trauma.
“For the younger kids, I’m hoping this is a blurry memory… Some of the older children, they’ll carry this vividly for the rest of their lives,” Wade said. “You can’t heal from this, but you can move on as best as you can.”
Deputy Christopher Poole reflected on the emotional toll the case has taken on investigators.
“It’s been heartbreaking. It’s very sad. We don’t want to see any children ever have to go through this. My only message to all of the victims: know we are fighting for y’all.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
