James Blessent, sources say, came from troubled home and went by the name “James” on social media.
However, conflicting media reports and a Bloomington Police press release suggest his name isn’t James but rather “Michelle.”
Screenshot of conflicting reports on gender of arrested James Blessent
Michelle Blessent 33 years old of Bloomington was indicted on five counts of predatory criminal sexual assault.
The Pantagraph refers to Michelle as “her” throughout their story headlined: Bloomington woman facing predatory criminal sexual charges
“Her [Michelle Blessent] arraignment will be held April 28,” states the article.
The article also states, “Michelle Blessent, 33, is charged with five counts of predatory criminal sexual assault (Class X felonies) involving a victim under the age of 13.”
Blessent is being held on $1 million bond Thursday after being arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor.
On his social media he posted a profile picture claiming to be a part of the “Rastafari Movement”
This is a profile picture James M Blessent uploaded to Facebook
Rastafarianism, is a religion that developed in Jamaica during the 1930s.
Brandt Parsley of the Bloomington Police Department said the incident occurred in 2020 and reports show there was a lengthy investigation that took place. The circumstances behind this incident are still pending investigation by the Bloomington Police Department.
He also went by the name “James” on his social media and the McLean County Public Access database refers to him as both “James” and “Michelle.”
A 2014 charge for battery taken from the McLean County Public Access Database
He was also charged in 2014 for Battery/ Makes Physical Contact.
Photo taken from James M Blessent social media
Cities has reached out to the Police Department with questions regarding the gender of Blessent.
