HSI agent who investigated child exploitation cases indicted on rape and child abuse charges

A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent who investigated child exploitation cases has been indicted on rape, incest and multiple child sex abuse charges involving a juvenile girl in Alabama, authorities said.

A Baldwin County grand jury indicted Kent Blacklidge, 43, 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 investigators opened the case Jan. 11 after receiving a report alleging the sexual abuse of a juvenile female. 

Blacklidge was placed on administrative leave shortly after the investigation began, authorities said.

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"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.

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"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 that 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.

A Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.