A Chelsea woman is currently sitting in the Shelby County Jail after an investigation led to her arrest and bevy of charges surrounding alleged child sexual abuse and producing and disseminating child pornography.
Blake Miller Barakat, 50, of Chelsea, is charged with three counts of sex abuse of a child under the age of 12 and 10 counts each of production of child pornography and dissemination of child pornography.
Barakat was arrested last week and confined to the Shelby County Jail. Due to age, the victims’ names have been redacted in court documents. However, court information states that at least one victim was female and was subjected to sexual contact. Documents further describe multiple videos of female victims, described as prepubescent, who were filmed engaging in sex acts while watching pornography.
“This is one of the most egregious crimes our agency has investigated in some time and I am grateful the juvenile victim is safe,” said Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego. “I am also grateful to our investigators who must endure heartbreaking images and videos in the investigation of these heinous crimes to ensure justice is served for the victim. These cases leave a lasting impact on our law enforcement professionals and I am grateful for their tenacity to protect our children and our communities.”
The investigation ensued after the Department of Human Resources was informed of possible child sexual exploitation.
Barakat’s bail was set at $1.98 million. She is listed as an indigent defendant, meaning she claims to be unable to afford her own attorney, and the State will provide one for her.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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