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Boy says drug dealer abused him

The man reportedly hired the 10-year-old to sell drugs, then burned him more than 50 times as punishment, police said.

By TIMES ONLINE STAFF WRITER
Published August 3, 2006

	Robert Bligen is accused of burning a 10-year-old with cigarettes.

ST. PETERSBURG - A 10-year-old recruited to sell drugs in the Childs Park area was burned repeatedly by a drug dealer who didn't think the boy was doing a good job, St. Petersburg Police say.

The boy suffered more than 50 cigarette burns to his face, shoulder and lower back, according to police. The injuries occurred over about a week in late July.

Robert Bligen, 46, is charged with aggravated child abuse, reports show. Bligen, of 4433 9th Ave. S is being held at the Pinellas County Jail.

The child told investigators that Bligen had recruited him to sell drugs on a street corner in Childs Park in exchange for a small amount of cash. The boy was saving money to buy a go-cart, reports show.

Police said the drug dealer was unhappy with the boy's performance and burned him as punishment. Police were alerted after the child's grandmother noticed the open sores.

[Last modified August 3, 2006, 17:55:40]