US News
Homeland Security agent indicted on child sex abuse charges in Alabama
A grand jury indicted Kent Blacklidge following an investigation launched earlier this year.
The short version
- Kent Blacklidge, a 43-year-old Homeland Security Investigations special agent, was indicted in Alabama on multiple charges including rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, and incest.[The Guardian · Fox News]
- Spanish Fort police opened the investigation on January 11 following an abuse report concerning a juvenile female.[The Guardian · Fox News]
- The Alabama Attorney General's Office took over prosecution after the local district attorney recused their office due to Blacklidge's witness status in other cases.[The Guardian · Fox News]
- Blacklidge has been released on bond under restrictions including electronic monitoring, home confinement, and a prohibition on contacting minors or the victim.[The Guardian · Fox News]
Key facts
- Grand jurors in Baldwin County indicted 43-year-old Homeland Security Investigations special agent Kent Blacklidge on rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, and incest charges.[The Guardian · Fox News]
- Spanish Fort police initiated the inquiry on January 11 following a report alleging the sexual abuse of a minor female.[The Guardian · Fox News]
- The Baldwin County District Attorney's Office recused itself because Blacklidge serves as a witness in other local proceedings, transferring prosecution to the Alabama Attorney General's Office.[The Guardian · Fox News]
- Blacklidge was released from jail on bond subject to home confinement, electronic surveillance, and orders barring contact with anyone under age 18.[The Guardian · Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.