BIBB COUNTY, Ala. (TCN) — Several men face charges after allegedly trafficking children, drugging them, and sexually abusing the victims in an underground bunker.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on Feb. 4. Prosecutors allege that six children were drugged and taken to an underground bunker, where they were sexually abused, WBRC-TV reports.
Multiple suspects allegedly paid to partake in the crimes.
Upon further investigation, the sheriff’s office announced the arrest of William McElroy in connection with the case. He faces four counts of first-degree rape, six counts of first-degree human trafficking, six counts of first-degree sodomy, and four counts of first-degree kidnapping.
Investigators identified another suspect, Dalton Terrell, on April 25. Officials arrested him on six counts of first-degree rape, 12 counts of first-degree sodomy, and five counts of first-degree human trafficking.
Several days later, the sheriff’s office arrested Andres Trejo-Velazquez on six counts of first-degree human trafficking.
On July 22, a fourth suspect, 23-year-old Timothy St. John, was reportedly arrested and faces two counts of first-degree rape, four counts of first-degree sodomy, four counts of human trafficking, three counts of first-degree kidnapping, one count of bestiality, and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals.
More victims and arrests are expected.
If any of the victims are 6 or younger, the suspects face a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources has taken custody of the victims.
Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade reportedly said, “Such abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated in Bibb County,” and that “offenders will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”
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