Authorities in Alabama recently uncovered a child sex trafficking ring involving at least six children, including a three-year-old, in an underground storm shelter in Bibb County, according to WVTM 13.
William McElroy, Dalton Terrell and Andres Trejo were indicted in connection with the child sex trafficking ring on July 11, WVTM 13 reported. McElroy and Terrell have been charged with human trafficking and sexually abusing children in an underground bunker, while Trejo has been charged with human trafficking. Officials said a fourth suspect, Timothy St. John, has been arrested for rape, sodomy, kidnapping, beastiality and animal abuse, according to the outlet.
Assistant District Attorney (DA) Brian Jones discussed the sex trafficking ring, telling WVTM 13 the children were allegedly tied to beds, chairs, and poles inside the underground storm shelter and drugged before people would allegedly come and pay money to have sex with them.
Jones also indicated the underground storm shelter was located near one of McElroy’s relative’s homes, AL.com reported. According to court records, the suspects all lived in mobile homes about a mile from each other when they were arrested, AL.com indicated. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and authorities believe another 12 men might have allegedly paid to have sex with the children.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Department released a statement on July 19 confirming the suspects had been arrested and that an investigation was taking place.
“Sheriff [Jody] Wade reiterates that such abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated in Bibb County and that offenders will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement read in part. (RELATED: Wisconsin Mother Arrested For Trafficking Teenage Daughter To Illegal Immigrant, Police Say)
The six children range in age from three to 10 years old, with the alleged abuse occurring for more than a year, according to AL.com.
The suspects are currently being held in the Bibb County Jail, WBRC reported.