A federal law enforcement agent specializing in child exploitation cases has been charged with multiple serious sex crimes in Alabama, according to state authorities. The special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, who was previously involved in investigations targeting child abuse, surrendered to local authorities last week following a grand jury indictment. Authorities allege the individual faces charges including first- and second-degree rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse. The case raises significant questions about accountability within law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting vulnerable children.
Kent Blacklidge, who officials say was ‘directly involved with child exploitation cases’, turned himself in last weekA federal law enforcement agent tasked with “trying to provide justice in cases involving kids” has been charged with child rape in Alabama, state authorities said on Tuesday.Kent Blacklidge, described as a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), turned himself over to the Baldwin county jail on 5 September in connection with a grand jury indictment charging him with first- and second-degree rape, sodomy and sexual abuse, police in the city of Spanish Fort said in a statement. Continue reading...
