Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to Outline Child‑Trafficking Probe; Underground Bunker at Center of Case
Live briefing scheduled for 1:00 PM CST Wednesday, will be streamed
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The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office will brief the public at 1 p.m. CT today on a months‑long investigation that uncovered what prosecutors call an “abhorrent” child‑sex‑trafficking ring hidden in an underground storm shelter.
Officials say at least six children—some as young as three—were drugged, restrained and assaulted inside the buried structure on Aaron Drive, a short distance from the home of one of the suspects. “There were chairs and beds … the children were drugged by Mr. Trejo and tied … and then people would come and pay money to have sex with these children,” Assistant District Attorney Brian Jones told WVTM 13.
Jones warned that some offenders may never be named. “There are some allegations with individuals that we will have a hard time identifying … the children were drugged … they may not be able to recognize or … identify anyone,” he said.
Four men behind bars
|
Name |
Key charges* |
|
William Chase McElroy, 21 |
4 counts first‑degree rape; 6 counts human trafficking; 6 counts sodomy; 4 counts kidnapping |
|
Dalton Terrell, 21 |
6 counts rape; 12 counts sodomy; 5 counts human trafficking |
|
Andres Velazquez‑Trejo, 29 |
6 counts human trafficking |
|
Timothy St. John, 23 |
2 counts rape; 4 counts sodomy; 3 counts kidnapping; 1 count bestiality; 1 count animal abuse |
*All charges are first‑degree unless noted otherwise.
The first three suspects were indicted on July 11; St. John was arrested Tuesday, July 22. Investigators opened the case Feb. 4 after a tip about possible child abuse.
The work has taken a toll on those involved. “It absolutely infuriates me. But we have to … put that aside and just do the job,” Jones said.
Authorities believe more victims and perpetrators may be out there, and search is ongoing at this time.
Today’s briefing will be at 1 p.m. CT, streamed live by WVTM 13 on its website, Facebook and YouTube pages.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 205‑926‑3129.
If you or a tone you know needs help, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is 1‑800‑656‑4673.
