Former School Bus Driver Faces 12-Year Kidnapping, Abuse Charges

Prosecutors say a man abducted a seven-year-old girl in 2012 and held her captive for over a decade before she escaped earlier this year.

Carlos Humberto Grisales Higuita, a former school bus driver, faces charges in Medellín, Colombia, including simple kidnapping, sexual abuse of a minor, and child pornography.

Authorities allege Higuita confined the girl to various locations in Medellín and Bello, preventing her from attending school and subjecting her to psychological manipulation and sexual assault. He allegedly convinced her this treatment was normal.

Investigators state that the victim’s name was changed during her captivity. Upon turning sixteen and complaining about her treatment, she was allegedly confined to a house, from which she escaped in February.

Prosecutors report the victim was initially reported missing twelve years ago. Higuita, arrested by Medellín’s National Police, pleaded not guilty during preliminary hearings and remains in custody.