At least 10 children were trafficked for sex acts and held in an underground storm shelter in rural Alabama
Alabama – A monthslong investigation, beginning in February, led to the arrest of three men, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said in a July 19 Facebook post, McClatchy News reported.
Seven people — including some of the children’s parents and relatives — have been arrested on different charges, including sexual abuse, rape and child trafficking, Bibb County Sheriff said.
Four others were arrested after, the sheriff said during the news conference. McClatchy News is not identifying the suspects to protect the identity of the children.
The investigation began after deputies were notified of potential child sexual abuse at a bunker in Brent, about a 50-mile drive southwest from Birmingham, the sheriff’s office said.
“I know God’s forgiveness is boundless, but if there is a limit, we reached it,” Bibb told WSAZ.
Some of the children — ranging from 3 to 15 years old — were abused by multiple people “on a nightly basis,” Wade said, adding that each child is now in the custody of the Department of Human Resources.
“They are safe and being cared for and speaking with counselors,” Wade said.
More arrests and victims are expected as the investigation continues, Wade said.
