BIBB COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – Three more people, including two women, have been arrested in a case involving young children and animals being sexually abused in an underground bunker in Alabama, officials said.
During a news conference Wednesday, Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade identified the additional suspects as Sara Louise Terrell, Ricky Cecil Terrell and Rebecca Cecile Brewer.
Previously, the sheriff’s office announced that four other men were facing charges after they allegedly sexually abused children in an underground bunker.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in early February.
The sheriff’s office said the underground bunker in question is located in Brent, about an hour’s drive southwest of Birmingham.
At least 10 children were allegedly drugged and taken to the bunker, according to the sheriff.
Officials say those victims were between 3 to 10 years old.
Investigators say multiple suspects are accused of paying to sexually abuse the children.
Wade said the people who were trafficking the children could make up to $1,000 per night.
“I know God’s forgiveness is boundless, but if there is a limit, we reached it,” the sheriff said.
Wade said he believes the abuse began in 2022.
The victims are now in custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
“It’s just unimaginable that someone could do this to a child,” Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones said. “Children are defenseless, and they depend on adults to take care of them and protect them. Then, when adults do these types of things to them, it’s just really horrific.”
The men previously arrested in the case were identified as Timothy St. John, William Chase McElroy, Dalton Terrell and Andres Trejo-Velazquez.
The seven total suspects are facing the following charges:
William Chase McElroy
- 4 counts of first-degree rape
- 6 counts of first-degree human trafficking
- 6 counts of first-degree sodomy
- 4 counts of first-degree kidnapping
Dalton Terrell, 21
- 5 counts of first-degree rape
- 7 counts of first-degree sodomy
- 6 counts of first-degree human trafficking
- 4 counts of first-degree kidnapping
Andres Trejo-Velazquez
- 6 counts of first-degree human trafficking
Timothy St. John, 23
- 2 counts of first-degree rape
- 4 counts of first-degree sodomy
- 4 counts of first-degree human trafficking
- 3 counts of first-degree kidnapping
- 1 count of bestiality
- 1 count of aggravated cruelty to animals
Rebecca Brewer
- 8 counts of human trafficking
- 8 counts of first-degree kidnapping
- 3 counts of sexual torture
Rickey Terrell
- 1 count of first-degree rape
Sara Terrell
- 1 count of sexual torture
- 2 counts of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old
All suspects are being held in the Bibb County Jail.
“Such abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated in Bibb County and that offenders will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” said Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade.
The sheriff said they anticipate more arrests and, unfortunately, more victims.
Under Alabama law, if any of the suspects are convicted of a crime involving a child 6 years old or younger, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Central Alabama Regional Child Advocacy Center said it is “deeply saddened” by these recent events, but it is proud to be part of a multidisciplinary team involved in the investigation.
“The CARCAC is committed to a team-oriented approach to providing support to the child and family during such times,” the center said in a statement. “Our belief is that all children should be safe and protected from abuse, and we strive to attain this goal every day.”
As the investigation continues, the center said it will continue to support the families and its partner agencies throughout the process.
If you have any information about this case, you are asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 205-926-4683.
