Key facts
- Army Spc. Blake E. Bedford, 27, was convicted of rape and sexually abusing a child.
- Bedford was sentenced to 30 years in prison, reduction in rank to E-1, and a dishonorable discharge.
- The crimes occurred between July 2021 and November 2022 in Reidsville, Georgia.
- The victim was between 6 and 8 years old during the abuse.
- Bedford admitted to the rape during an interview with Army CID agents.
- He will serve his sentence at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and register as a sex offender.
Army Spc. Blake E. Bedford, 27, was convicted of rape and sexually abusing a child at a court-martial on May 27 at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Bedford, a land combat electronic missile system repairer assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, was sentenced by the military judge to 30 years in prison, reduction in rank to E-1, and a dishonorable discharge.
The crimes occurred between July 2021 and November 2022 while Bedford was living in Reidsville, Georgia. The victim was between the ages of 6 and 8 years old at the time. In late January 2024, the victim informed her mother and grandmother about the abuse, leading to a confrontation with Bedford. Following this, Bedford informed his first sergeant, who involved the Family Advocacy Program and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
During an interview with Army CID agents on March 7, 2024, Bedford admitted to raping the victim. Lt. Col. Amanda Beckham, prosecutor for the Second Circuit, Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, emphasized the critical nature of the evidence gathered by CID agents. Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor of the Army CID Southeast Field Office stated that while no conviction can undo the harm, Bedford's removal from society delivers justice to the survivor and her family.
Bedford will serve his sentence at the United States Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Upon release, he will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements. The case was investigated by the Army CID’s Fort Stewart Resident Agency and prosecuted by Beckham, Maj. David Blum, and Capt. Jacqueline Dieguez.