HSI Agent Charged with Rape and Child Abuse in Alabama Case
A Homeland Security Investigations special agent, Kent Blacklidge, was indicted on multiple rape and child-sex-abuse charges involving a juvenile girl in Baldwin County, Alabama.
Kent Blacklidge, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, was indicted by a Baldwin County grand jury on a series of serious offenses, including first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, multiple counts of sexual abuse and incest, all alleged to involve a juvenile female in Spanish Fort, Alabama. Police opened the investigation on Jan. 11 after receiving a report of the alleged abuse, and Blacklidge was immediately placed on administrative leave.
The indictment was announced by the Spanish Fort Police Department, and the Alabama Attorney General, Steve Marshall, took over the prosecution after the Baldwin County District Attorney recused himself due to Blacklidge’s role as a witness in other cases. Blacklidge turned himself in on Sept. 5; the court may impose electronic monitoring, home confinement and a ban on contacting anyone under 18 if he is released on bond.
Authorities say there is only one known victim and have not identified additional victims. A spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations declined to comment because the investigation remains ongoing.
Why it matters
A federal agent tasked with protecting children is now accused of abusing a child, raising concerns about oversight and trust in law-enforcement agencies.
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