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

Kent Blacklidge, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent who investigated child exploitation, has been indicted by a Baldwin County grand jury on charges including rape, incest, and multiple child sex abuse offenses involving a juvenile girl in Alabama. His indictment is considered particularly troubling due to his professional role in combating such crimes. The Alabama Attorney General’s office is prosecuting the case after the local district attorney’s office recused itself.

• Kent Blacklidge, 43, an HSI special agent, was indicted on charges including first-degree rape, second-degree rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, and incest.
• The charges stem from an investigation opened on January 11, alleging the sexual abuse of a juvenile female in Alabama.
• Blacklidge’s job with HSI involved investigating child exploitation cases.
• The Alabama Attorney General’s office is prosecuting the case due to a conflict of interest with the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office.
• Authorities confirmed one known juvenile victim and no indication of additional victims.
• Blacklidge surrendered to authorities and will face electronic monitoring and home confinement if he posts bond.