Child Sex Exploitation Ring Busted in Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two individuals have been indicted on multiple child sex exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
A five-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Wisam A. Sharieff, 43, of Euless, Texas, and Blake Miller Barakat, aka ‘Hamna,’ 50, of Shelby County, Alabama, with conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, between September 27, 2024, and October 15, 2024, Sharieff and Barakat conspired together to coerce a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct; and they conspired to receive and distribute child pornography.
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the FBI Dallas-Fort Worth Violent Crimes Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant: Wisam A. Sharieff, Blake Miller Barakat
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography
City and State: Birmingham, Alabama
Exact Date: September 27, 2024 – October 15, 2024
Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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