A school bus driver in Colombia has been detained after officials say he kidnapped and sexually assaulted a girl who escaped after 12 years in captivity.
Carlos Humberto Grisales Higuita was arrested on allegations of simple kidnapping, sexual abuse with a youngster under the age of 14, sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 14, and pornography with a person under the age of 18, according to a press conference held by the country’s attorney general.
Prosecutors claim that Grisales Higuita kidnapped a 7-year-old girl in 2012 and transported her to a residence in MedellĂn’s center. He allegedly sexually attacked her for years and brainwashed her into believing what was occurring to her was normal, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Prosecutors allege that Grisales Hiiguita changed the girl’s name and relocated her to MedellĂn and Bello, Antioquia over a 12-year period of her disappearance.
According to investigators, the girl was also barred from attending school and speaking with others while in custody.
When she turned 16, prosecutors claim she confronted Grisales Higuita about how he allegedly treated her. He allegedly replied by locking her inside the house, from which she eventually escaped in February 2024.
National Police apprehended Grisales in MedellĂn. Prosecutors say he disputed the charges he is facing.