New Case of Child Exploitation in Colombia Involves American Man

A new case of child sexual exploitation involving an American citizen has been reported in Medellin, Colombia. Brandon Seth Wood, a 50-year-old man from Ohio, was found in a hotel room with a 15-year-old girl on Thursday, April 25. Reportedly, the American man contacted the girl through social media and offered money to have sexual relations with her.

Colombian justice took action against the suspect and ordered his detention through a preventive measure. Brandon Seth Wood is now in jail and under investigation for the commercial sexual exploitation of children and for supplying drugs to those underage. He could face up to 25 years in prison.

Foreigners and sexual exploitation in Medellin

So far this year, eight foreign nationals, including seven Americans and one German, have been arrested and investigated in both Colombia and the U.S. for offenses related to sexual exploitation and child sexual exploitation in Medellin.

One of them is Timothy Alan Livingston, who is currently a fugitive and wanted by Colombian authorities for the crime of child sexual exploitation after being caught with two young girls aged 12 and 13 years old in a hotel room.

The case has cast a national spotlight on the issue of sex tourism and child trafficking in the country, particularly in Medellin. Colombian President Petro even stated that he would request Livingston’s extradition from the U.S., where he managed to escape after being released by Colombian police due to lack of evidence.

Chidren trafficking networks in Colombia exploit local poverty and the vulnerability of children to satisfy foreigners looking to indulge their urges. The Medellin municipality recently launched an initiative to prevent criminals from reaching the city, through an advertising campaign at Medellin International Airport and with cooperation from U.S. authorities to identify offenders attempting to enter the country.