
Child Trafficking Ring Uncovered: At Least 10 Kids Sexually Tortured In Alabama
The disturbing case came to light after the Sheriff Department raided a property described as an underground bunker.
Authorities in Bibb County, Alabama, have arrested seven individuals in connection with an alleged child trafficking operation that involved severe sexual abuse of minors, some reportedly as young as two years old. The arrests followed an intensive investigation by the Bibb County Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement agencies.
The disturbing case came to light after the Sheriff Department raided a property described as an underground bunker, where at least 10 children were allegedly held captive under inhumane conditions for up to three years. According to reports cited by the New York Post, some of the horrific acts of sexual abuse was allegedly facilitated by adults closely related to the victims, including their parents.
'This is one of the most horrific cases we've ever encountered," said Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade during a press briefing on July 23. 'The level of cruelty and betrayal inflicted upon these children is beyond comprehension."
The suspects arrested include Sara Louise Terrell, Ricky Terrell, and Dalton Terrell, members of the same family, along with Rebecca Brewer, William Chase McElroy, Andres Velazquez-Trejo, and Timothy St. John. They face a range of charges including sexual abuse, human trafficking, and child endangerment.
Meanwhile, the rescued victims have been placed under the care of the Alabama Department of Human Resources and are receiving counselling and medical attention. 'No child deserves this, the power and control of it, the stealing the innocence of a child and the horrible victimisation they went through with these monsters," said Sheriff Wade.
As per court documents, Velazquez-Trejo would drug the victims. The children would then be kept in horrific conditions, often tied to furnitures, while their clients would sexually abuse them after paying a sum of up to $1000. Meanwhile, McElroy would force victims to perform sexual acts on each other. He would often teach it to them by being a part of the act and forcing himself on the victims, revealed Bibb County Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones.
Sara Louise was allegedly behind the idea of putting animal shock collars on the genitals of the children for either punishing them or for own sexual satisfactions. These victims also include her two children and those of Velazquez-Trejo.
Other inhumane acts included purchase and sell of children, and their nude images. At this time, the total number of children victimised in the trafficking scheme has not been determined, as the investigation continues in close collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security. Authorities are also exploring potential connections between the gang and Seranos, a notorious Mexican sex-trafficking organisation.
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