Bombshell as cop who shot to fame when he found missing kidnap victim Cleo Smith QUITS the force ahead of corruption report
A detective who played a central role in the rescue of kidnap victim Cleo Smith has quit the force, just days before a corruption report on him is expected to be released.
Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine became an international hero when footage was released by Western Australia Police showing him asking the four-year-old girl her name as she was carried from a Carnarvon home in November 2021.
“My name is Cleo,” she said in the now famous video.
But allegations of misconduct later emerged about the veteran detective and he was investigated by the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC).
WA Police and the CCC released a joint statement announcing an investigation in September last year.
A detective who played a central role in the rescue of kidnap victim Cleo Smith (pictured) has left the force, just days before a corruption report is expected to be released on him.
“A senior detective has resigned today as the investigation into alleged misconduct is ongoing,” the statement said.
‘Oversight of police actions is an integral part of the CCC’s work and is responsible for a significant number of allegations it receives.’
The CCC reportedly seized Mr Blaine’s phone and other belongings as part of its investigation.
It is understood the CCC report will be tabled in WA state parliament this week.
But a police spokeswoman confirmed the detective had already left the force.
“Sergeant General Cameron Blaine’s resignation has been accepted,” a brief statement said.
“No further comment can be made at this time.”
Resigning means he will not have to face the prospect of being forced out of the WA police force under a so-called Section 8 procedure.
During this process, Police Commissioner Col Blanch would have to explain why he lost confidence in the officer.
Cleo was rescued 18 days after being taken from her family’s tent at the Quobba Blowholes campsite on October 16, 2021.
Detectives entered a home and found her in a bedroom.
Speaking to the media the next day, the detective said it was ‘absolutely fantastic to see her sitting there… it was unbelievable.’
Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine (pictured) became an international hero when footage was released by WA Police showing him asking the four-year-old girl her name
‘I asked her what her name was. “One of the guys jumped in front of me and picked her up and I wanted to make absolutely sure that… it was her,” he said at the time.
“I said, ‘What’s your name?’ She didn’t answer… I asked three times and then she looked at me and said, “My name is Cleo.”
He said it was the best moment of his career.
Cleo’s kidnapper Terence Kelly was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison in April.