A special agent with Homeland Security Investigations who worked on child exploitation cases is now facing serious criminal allegations in Alabama, where officials say he has been indicted on charges including rape, incest and multiple counts of child sexual abuse involving a juvenile girl.
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, the Spanish Fort Police Department said.
According to police, the investigation began on Jan. 11 after authorities received a report accusing Blacklidge of sexually abusing a juvenile female.
Officials said Blacklidge was put on administrative leave soon after the case was opened.
Kent Blacklidge, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent, has been indicted in Alabama on charges that include rape, sodomy, sexual abuse and incest, 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 prosecuting the case after the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office recused itself because Blacklidge is a witness in other cases it handles.
Marshall said the allegations are especially troubling because Blacklidge’s duties with HSI included investigating child exploitation cases and helping educate the public about crimes against children.
ALSO READ: Lindsay Clancy Attorney Defends Ex-Husband as Rumors Swirl
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.