A Homeland Security Investigations special agent who worked on child exploitation investigations has been indicted in Alabama on rape, incest and multiple child sexual abuse charges involving a juvenile girl, authorities said.
Kent Blacklidge, 43, was indicted by a Baldwin County grand jury on charges of first-degree rape, second-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, second-degree sodomy, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of second-degree sexual abuse and incest, according to the Spanish Fort Police Department.
Police said the investigation began Jan. 11, after authorities received a report alleging the sexual abuse of a juvenile female.
Blacklidge was placed on administrative leave soon after the probe was opened, officials said.
Kent Blacklidge, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent, was indicted on charges including rape, sodomy, sexual abuse and incest, Alabama authorities said. (Spanish Fort Police Department)
“It takes an unbelievable amount of courage and strength for a victim of these types of crimes to come forward,” Spanish Fort Police Chief John Barber said. “And I commend our victim for having that resolve.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said his office is handling the prosecution after the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office recused itself because Blacklidge is a witness in other cases managed by that office.
Marshall said the allegations are particularly disturbing because Blacklidge’s role with HSI included investigating child exploitation cases and helping inform the public about crimes committed against children.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said his office took over the prosecution after the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office recused itself because Blacklidge is a witness in other cases before the office. (Al Drago/Getty Images)
“He was directly involved in child exploitation cases,” Marshall said. “It’s why it is so profoundly disappointing and frankly disgusting to stand here today and tell you that we’ve charged him with facts consistent with what his professional responsibility was.”
Authorities said there is one known juvenile victim and no indication of additional victims. Barber declined to discuss further details because of the ongoing case.
Blacklidge turned himself in Sept. 5 after investigators contacted his attorney, officials said. Marshall said if Blacklidge posts bond, he will be subject to electronic monitoring and home confinement and prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or anyone younger than 18.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Kent Blacklidge, who investigated child exploitation cases, was indicted in Alabama on rape, sodomy, incest and multiple child sexual abuse charges involving a juvenile girl. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
A Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
