Federal authorities have announced the arrest of Miranda Blum, a 51-year-old sheriff’s deputy from Miami-Dade County, Florida, on serious child exploitation charges. Blum is accused of producing and receiving sexually explicit material involving a 17-year-old girl.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed in late July 2025, the now-suspended deputy allegedly crossed state lines to engage in a relationship with the juvenile. She’s also accused of using her cell phone and another electronic device to photograph illegal images. A federal indictment, also unsealed recently, further alleges that Blum made chilling threats to kill the teenager if their relationship was revealed.
The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida are investigating and prosecuting this case. It has drawn national attention not only due to the nature of the allegations but also because of Blum’s role as a law enforcement officer sworn to protect the public.
Online activity and surveillance footage
Court documents indicate that Blum communicated with the teenager over several months via social media. The investigation was initiated in mid-July after a key witness, concerned about the girl’s emotional well-being and her interactions with Blum, contacted authorities. This tip reportedly led to the discovery of messages, images, and travel records connecting Blum to the teen.
Federal agents identified Blum through a combination of her online activity and surveillance footage. One crucial piece of evidence shows Blum at Miami International Airport, picking up a checked bag belonging to the teenager after the girl attempted to travel there from Georgia. Investigators also linked Blum to the online alias “kibblz_n_bitz,” a username found across social media and financial platforms relevant to the case.
The victim spent time in a mental hospital
The victim, whose identity remains protected, was 17 when the alleged crimes occurred. Officials stated she had been in contact with Blum for at least a year and exhibited signs of emotional distress.
The victim’s emotional distress reportedly became so severe that she was hospitalized in Georgia under a mental health order shortly before her 18th birthday. It was during this period that federal authorities began to solidify their case against Blum, leading to her arrest in Roswell, Georgia, on July 23.
Blum now faces two federal charges: one count of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which carries a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison, and one count of receipt of such material, with a possible sentence ranging from 5 to 20 years. If convicted on both counts, Blum could face up to 50 years in federal prison. Prosecutors have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible. Blum remains in federal custody and has not yet entered a plea.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has confirmed Blum’s suspension and issued a statement condemning the alleged conduct, calling it a “betrayal of the public’s trust.” The department has pledged its full cooperation with federal authorities. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on protecting children.
Published: Jul 28, 2025 03:07 pm