A U.S. citizen from Texas has been arrested in Colombia after authorities say he allegedly sexually abused a 7-year-old boy on the balcony of an apartment building in Bogota, an incident witnessed by passersby who began shouting at the man to stop.
The suspect, identified as a 36-year-old man from Texas, was taken into police custody Sunday following the alleged assault that occurred in broad daylight in an upscale neighborhood in northern Bogota. Video of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing a man holding a child near the railing of a residential balcony while voices can be heard shouting: "He's abusing the child, let him go!"
Background
According to Colombia's immigration authority, the suspect arrived in Bogota on a June 6 flight. Sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News that the suspect may have adopted the children found in his apartment, though authorities stressed the investigation remains ongoing.
When Colombian authorities entered the suspect's apartment following his arrest, they discovered three children inside. The children were taken to a medical center for evaluation. Colombia's state agency for child protection confirmed Monday that all three minors are now in its care.
The case has ignited public outrage in Colombia, where several high-profile cases of children being exploited by foreigners in recent years have heightened concerns about sex tourism. President Gustavo Petro used the incident to renew calls for visa restrictions aimed at preventing convicted pedophiles from entering the country.
Dozens of residents gathered Sunday afternoon at the entrance of the building where the suspect lived, demanding his arrest and expressing shock at the alleged crime that unfolded in their neighborhood.
The Investigation
Bogota Mayor Carlos Galan confirmed that a suspect had been taken into police custody, stating there is "no room for mistreatment or abuse of boys and girls" in the capital city. Colombian authorities have not released the identity of the suspect pending formal charges and diplomatic notifications required when a U.S. citizen is arrested abroad.
The investigation is being conducted by Colombian national police in coordination with immigration officials. Authorities say they are working to verify the suspect's immigration status, his connection to the children found in his apartment, and whether any prior criminal history exists in either Colombia or the United States.
Colombia turned away approximately 100 foreigners who traveled for sex tourism during the first half of 2026, according to government figures, reflecting increased enforcement efforts following a series of incidents involving foreign nationals accused of crimes against children.
Key Takeaways
- A 36-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas has been arrested in Bogota, Colombia, over alleged sexual abuse of a 7-year-old boy
- The incident was witnessed by passersby who recorded video and shouted at the suspect to stop; the video circulated widely on social media
- Three children were found in the suspect's apartment and are now under the care of Colombia's state child protection agency
- Sources indicate the suspect may have adopted the children, a detail authorities are still investigating
- The suspect arrived in Bogota on June 6, according to Colombian immigration officials
What's Next
Colombian prosecutors are expected to formally charge the suspect in the coming days. U.S. embassy officials will be notified of the arrest and could provide consular assistance. An immigration court hearing regarding his status in Colombia may also be scheduled as authorities work to determine whether he violated any terms of entry.
The three children remain under the supervision of Colombian child protection services while investigators work to establish their relationship to the suspect and ensure their safety. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges related to adoption fraud or trafficking are being considered.