Kent Blacklidge, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), has been charged with first- and second-degree rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse in Alabama, state authorities confirmed on Tuesday. Mr Blacklidge surrendered to the Baldwin county jail on 5 September following a grand jury indictment.
Spanish Fort police chief John Barber stated that the charges against the 43-year-old agent originated from a child sexual abuse report filed on 11 January, concerning an underage girl. Mr Blacklidge was placed on administrative leave by HSI when the investigation began.
Alabama attorney general Steve Marshall noted that it was particularly concerning to prosecute Mr Blacklidge, given his professional responsibilities at HSI included working on child exploitation cases and raising awareness. Mr Marshall's office is handling the prosecution due to Mr Blacklidge being a witness in cases handled by the local district attorney's office.
Mr Blacklidge has been released from jail on bond, which facility records indicate was set at over $350,000. Conditions of his release include electronic monitoring, home confinement, and an order prohibiting contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18.