Charges Filed Against Former Sheriff's Deputy, Wife

St. Francois Co., Mo (KFMO) - Charges have been filed against a former St. Francois County Sheriff's Deputy and his wife.

39-year-old David Blankenship, of Farmington, allegedly acted together with his wife, 28-year-old Karlie Blankenship, in an attempt of sex trafficking of a child, between February 26, 2024 and May 30, 2024.

The victim is David Blankenship's 11-year-old biological daughter, in which he had custody of her. Both David Blankenship and Karlie Blankenship, messaged one another about drugging the child, having sexual intercourse with the child, and making a video of the explicit sexual material or performance to sell for profit of the child.

Both David Blankenship and Karlie Blankenship have been charged with Attempted-Sexual Trafficking Of A Child - 1st Degree - Under 12 Years of Age and Attempted-Use Of Child In a Sexual Performance.

Both were arrested on Thursday are due in court on Tuesday, June 4, at 8:30 a.m.