ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A former St. Francois County Deputy and his wife have been charged with child sex crimes.
David Keith Blankenship, 39 and his wife Karlie Blankenship, 28 have been charged with attempted sexual trafficking of a child under 12 and attempted use of a child in sexual performance.
According to a probable cause statement, investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol received information that David Blakenship had uploaded a video file of suspected child pornography on TikTok.
Investigators found he and his wife discussed on TikTok their sexual desires of children under the age of 14 and how to locate local children. They also discussed how they were drugging and sexually abusing David's 11-year-old biological daughter who he had legal custody of.
Investigators interviewed both on Thursday and while David Blankenship did not cooperate, Karlie Blankenship confirmed the conversations but say they never acted. A search of their home found specific sex toys and drugs mentioned in the couples online conversations.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the St. Francois County Sheriff Department confirmed Blakenship is a former deputy and said they are shocked and saddened by the allegations.
The department says Blankenship's employment with the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department was terminated immediately upon command staff being briefed on the allegations by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.