Seven individuals detained in relation to a child sexual abuse scandal, uncovered in a clandestine underground shelter in Alabama.
The investigation into a child abuse case involving an underground bunker in Brent, Alabama, has taken a significant turn, with seven suspects now in custody as of late July 2025. The case, which came to light on February 4, 2023, has been the focus of intense scrutiny and concern since reports of abuse surfaced.
The abuse, which is believed to have occurred between January 2024 and early 2025, has affected at least five children under 12, with some reports suggesting up to ten children aged 3 to 15 may have been victims.
The seven individuals now in custody include Timothy St. John, William Chase McElroy, Dalton Terrell, Andres Velazquez-Trejo, Rebecca Brewer, Ricky Terrell, and Sarah Louis Terrell. The charges against these suspects are severe, with multiple counts of first-degree rape, sodomy, human trafficking, kidnapping, bestiality, and cruelty to animals being levied.
William McElroy, one of the suspects, has admitted to inappropriate conduct, while Dalton Terrell has admitted to unlawful sexual activity. The investigation has also revealed that the children were drugged, tied up, and repeatedly abused in the bunker, which was used to facilitate trafficked child abuse acts with multiple perpetrators.
Officials fear that more victims and suspects remain unidentified, and the case remains highly active, with law enforcement continuing to pursue additional leads to protect potential victims and prosecute those involved.
The latest update on the case was provided during a press conference by the Bibb County Sheriff, who detailed the arrests and ongoing investigation efforts. The offenders are alleged to have arranged and paid for "appointments" to abuse the children in the underground bunker, with some of the offenders being parents of the victims.
The charges against the suspects are as follows: Timothy St. John faces multiple charges including two counts of first-degree rape, four counts of sodomy, four counts of human trafficking, three counts of kidnapping, one count of bestiality, and one count of cruelty to animals. William Chase McElroy is charged with four counts of first-degree rape, six counts of first-degree sodomy, six counts of human trafficking, and four counts of first-degree human trafficking.
Ricky Terrell is charged with one count of rape, with additional charges pending, while Sarah Louis Terrell is charged with one count of sexual torture and two counts of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old. Rebecca Brewer faces eight counts of human trafficking, eight counts of first-degree human kidnapping, and three counts of sexual torture. Andres Trejo-Velazquez is charged with six counts of human trafficking.
The investigation began on February 4, 2023, following a report of possible child abuse, and the case remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to investigate. This tragic case serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and action against child abuse and human trafficking.
The shocking child abuse case in Brent, Alabama, has stirred concern not only in the realm of general news and crime-and-justice, but also in health-and-wellness and sexual-health sectors due to the alleged sexual abuse, drugging, and repeated torment of children. The investigation, ongoing since February 2023, has revealed the need for heightened vigilance and action against child abuse and human trafficking, highlighting the imperative role of science in understanding and addressing such heinous acts.
