American citizen arrested over alleged child sexual abuse in Colombia

Updated on: June 15, 2026 / 11:45 PM EDT / CBS/AFP

American citizen arrested over alleged child sexual abuse in Colombia

TL;DR

  • A 36-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas was arrested in Bogota, Colombia, on allegations of sexually abusing a child.
  • Witnesses reportedly saw the incident and alerted authorities.
  • President Gustavo Petro cast doubt on the accusations, suggesting the man was helping the child and blaming AI for manipulation.
  • Three children were found in the suspect's apartment and are now under the care of Colombia's state agency for child protection.
  • Colombia has been on guard against sex tourism, turning away foreigners for such purposes.