7 Arrested in Bibb County Child Sex Trafficking Ring

Uncovering a Child Sex Trafficking Ring in Bibb County

The Bibb County Sheriff Office recently held a press conference to address the alarming discovery of a child sex trafficking ring that has been uncovered this year. Sheriff Jody Wade, who has spent 33 years in law enforcement, described the situation as the most horrifying experience he has ever encountered involving the abuse of children.

“I’ve been in law enforcement for 33 years, and this is absolutely the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen when it comes to the victimization of children,” said Wade. “Like I say, I know God’s forgiveness is boundless. But if there was a limit to it, I think we reached it.”

Seven individuals 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. The charges against them include rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, sexual torture, human trafficking, and kidnapping.

Wade emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that no child deserves to be subjected to such treatment. He highlighted the power and control exerted over the victims, the theft of their innocence, and the horrific experiences they endured at the hands of the perpetrators.

“It’s like the old saying ‘if you see something, say something.’ If you do think or suspect that there are children being victimized, contact us or your local law enforcement and make them aware. If it’s nothing to it, we’ll be glad to say it’s not. But if there’s something to it, God help us to protect these children.”

According to Wade, the case is believed to have ties to the Sureños gang, which is primarily funded through child sex trafficking. The suspects could have made up to $1,000 a night by exploiting children. The investigation involves at least 10 victims, ranging in age from three to 15 years old. Some of the suspects are related, while others are acquaintances or individuals who paid to participate in the abuse.

The investigation began in February after the Alabama Department of Human Resources received a report of child abuse at a home on Aaron Drive. The sheriff’s office discovered that sexual abuse was occurring in a bunker behind the house. Wade explained that the children were not kept permanently in the bunker but were there for varying lengths of time depending on the offenders' schedules.

“It depends on what appointment time the offenders had,” said Wade. “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.”

The bunker, described as a partially underground storm shelter detached from the house, contained a dirty mattress, a few chairs, and a small chest of drawers with a kitchen appliance on top. The conditions were deplorable and reflected the severe neglect and abuse suffered by the children.

Wade expressed hope that younger victims might eventually forget some of the traumatic experiences, while older children may carry vivid memories for the rest of their lives. He emphasized the importance of providing support and resources to help the victims heal and rebuild their lives.

“The best we can do is help them get past this. You can’t heal from this, but you can move on as best as you can. We’re going to see, along with the Department of Human Resources, that these children get everything they can to have the best life that they can.”

Deputy Christopher Poole, one of the lead investigators, shared his emotional response to the case. As a father himself, he found the situation deeply heartbreaking. He pledged to continue fighting for the victims and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“It’s been heartbreaking. It’s very sad. We don’t want to see any children ever have to go through this,” said Poole. “God puts us at the place that we need to be put at, at that time, and I think me and Justin, our agency, has been put there and we’re going to do everything we can, and my only message to all of the victims, know we are fighting for y’all.”

Wade anticipates that more arrests and additional victims will be identified as the investigation continues. The press conference provided valuable insight into the ongoing efforts to bring justice to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.