Sex abuse suspects related to Wood

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - Family and friends have been searching for 19-year-old Brittney Wood for nearly a month.

Family members said the teen was last seen on May 30.

Tony Dickey with Disaster and Victim Services said Wood was last seen heading to her uncle's home near Styx River.

That same uncle he said mysteriously committed suicide the day she went missing.

Now, deputies tell us two of Wood's relatives have been arrested on a number of sex crimes stemming from an ongoing investigation.

Deputies said the crimes involve a female juvenile who alerted authorities.

Officials described the case as horrific.

“We don't know if there is any involvement with her as far as her being missing at this point. We’re looking into aspects of that,” said Cpt. Steve Arthur with the BCSO.

On Tuesday, deputies arrested Brittney’s uncle Randall Scott Wood for sex abuse, sodomy, and incest.

Deputies said another relative, Dustin Alton Kent was also charged.

While the details were limited, officials said they believe this is just the tip of the iceberg and expect to make more arrests.

“I think that once our investigation is completed and all the individuals that are implicated in this investigation are brought to arrest, I can give you more details; and you'll understand how serious the crime is,” said Cpt. Arthur.

“The family is devastated just as any family would be to learn that some of their relatives have actually been arrested on charges of this magnitude,” said Tony Dickey.

As for the ongoing search, crews will be going door-to-door Thursday in the Irvington and Grand Bay area to pass out flyers.

Investigators said Wood’s cell phone was last activated in that area.

If you would like to help with the search and follow the progress, click here .