Chelsea woman accused of sexually abusing girl, filming sex acts

A Chelsea woman is being held on nearly $1.9 million bail after authorities say she sexually abused a young girl and made numerous videos of the child engaged in sexual acts.

Blake Miller Barakat, 50, is charged with three counts of sexual abuse of a child under 12, 10 counts of production of child pornography and 10 counts of distribution of child pornography.

The investigation began on October 15 when the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office was notified by DHR of possible child sexual exploitation.

Due to the girl’s age, authorities are not releasing any additional information.

Charging documents against Barakat say she subjected the girl to sexual touching and also recorded her naked and engaging in sexual acts while watching pornography.

“This is one of the most egregious crimes our agency has investigated in some time, and I am glad the juvenile victim is safe,” said 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,” the sheriff said.

“These cases have a lasting impact on our law enforcement professionals, and I am grateful for their tenacity in protecting our children and our communities.” »

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 205-670-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.