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.OHIO POLICE CHIEF ARRESTED IN FLORIDA AFTER GRAND JURY HANDS DOWN 70-COUNT CHILD SEX INDICTMENTKent Blacklidge, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent, was indicted on multiple charges, including rape, sodomy, sexual abuse and incest, according to Alabama authorities.
(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.TRUMP SIGNS HAWLEY MEASURE ADDING 200 CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATORS IN LARGEST CRACKDOWN EFFORT YETAlabama 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/Get...