Kids tied to bed, chairs and poles: Four arrested in horrific Bibb County child sex trafficking ring reveal chilling details

Law enforcement officials in Bibb County, Alabama, have uncovered a chilling child sex trafficking ring involving multiple children aged between 2 to 10 years old, who were brutally drugged, bound, and sexually abused in an underground storm shelter near Brent. The operation, described by prosecutors as “horrific,” has led to the arrests and indictments of four men charged with numerous felonies, including first-degree human trafficking, rape, sodomy, and kidnapping.

Details of the case and arrests

The investigation began on February 4, 2025, after authorities received tips about possible child abuse involving an underground bunker on Aaron Drive near Brent. Over the subsequent months, Bibb County detectives uncovered evidence indicating that the suspects were operating a commercialized child sex ring, where children were sold for sexual servitude and explicit images were distributed.

The suspects allegedly used a hidden underground bunker, equipped with beds, chairs, and restraints, to drug and bind children for sexual exploitation. Assistant District Attorney Brian Jones described the scene: “The children were drugged by Mr. Trejo and tied to the bed, into the chair, into a pole. Then people would come and pay money to have sex with these children”.


Two of the victims were found engaging in sexual acts with each other—behavior they told authorities had been taught and coerced by McElroy, according to Assistant DA Brian Jones.

The four men charged so far are:
Andres Trejo-Velazquez, 29, of Brent, Alabama, was the first individual arrested in the case. He was indicted on six counts of first-degree human trafficking as well as charges related to the distribution of child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors accuse him of acting as a facilitator, securing locations, drugging the children, and coordinating with others who paid to sexually abuse the victims. According to authorities, Velazquez was also involved in distributing illicit content created during the abuse.

William Chase McElroy, age 21, has been charged with 20 serious felonies, including first-degree human trafficking, rape, sodomy, and kidnapping. Investigators say McElroy not only participated in the abuse but admitted to multiple acts of sexual assault during questioning. He is believed to have had direct connections to the underground shelter used in the assaults and reportedly indicated no remorse during his interviews with law enforcement.

Dalton Terrell, also 21, faces 22 felony charges, among them rape, sodomy, and human trafficking. Authorities say Terrell’s role was similarly hands-on, and like McElroy, he allegedly confessed to investigators that he had sexually assaulted some of the victims.

The fourth and most recently arrested suspect, Timothy St. John, was taken into custody on July 22, 2025, following expanded charges based on evolving evidence. He is facing 15 charges, including rape, sodomy, human trafficking, and kidnapping, alongside more disturbing additions such as bestiality and animal cruelty.

The exact nature of the new charges against St. John has not been publicly detailed, though prosecutors indicated his actions involved “additional victims, including animals,” adding another layer of horror to the investigation.

Court documents indicate the abuse occurred over at least a year, from January 2024 to early 2025, and involved at least five to six children under 12 years old.

Investigation and legal action

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, leading the coordinated investigation, worked closely with prosecutors and other agencies. Investigators collected confessions and corroborating evidence linking the suspects to the crimes. McElroy and Terrell admitted to sexually abusing the children; Velazquez-Trejo was accused of distributing images and facilitating contact between victims and other perpetrators.

While the identities of the victims have not been disclosed for privacy reasons, prosecutors believe there may be more victims and perpetrators linked to this ring.

Bibb County Assistant District Attorney Jones expressed outrage at the case’s cruelty but reaffirmed commitment to prosecuting the offenders to the fullest extent of the law. Sheriff Jody Wade emphasized that such “abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated” and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Local residents expressed deep concern and fear for children’s safety amid the unfolding scandal.

Ongoing investigation

Officials have announced the investigation remains active, with potential further arrests expected. Due to the ages of victims and the use of drugs, authorities face challenges identifying all involved parties.

Investigators continue to seek public assistance and stress the importance of vigilance to prevent further exploitation.