Miami – A well-known mixed martial arts fighter, Jaymes Schulte, was arrested in Miami for his involvement in a child sex trafficking ring in Colombia. Schulte, who has competed in several countries, including Colombia, is facing up to 30 years in prison for his crimes.
The joint investigation by Colombian and American authorities revealed that Schulte had traveled to Colombia at least 10 times between 2018 and 2022 and had ties to a child sex trafficking network operating in Medellín and Bello. The investigation uncovered that Schulte had sexually assaulted 18 minors, aged between 4 and 13, by soliciting their services through social media.
According to the victims’ testimonies, Schulte would offer between 150,000 and 300,000 Colombian pesos (approximately 50 – 80 USD) to each minor for sexual acts. The victims also reported that the MMA fighter subjected them to degrading and violent acts.
The evidence against Schulte includes videos that were shared on pornographic sites and pedophile groups on social media. These recordings were critical in securing his capture. Additional reports indicate that Schulte presented a fake medical report clearing him of infections. However, many of the minors now indicate that they have various infections.
What is even more worrying is that Schulte was able to enter Colombia without any problem, despite being classified as a criminal and sexual abuser in several Asian countries. He not only visited the country frequently but also quietly continued his career as an athlete.
Schulte becomes the seventh foreigner arrested in Colombia this year for sexual crimes, highlighting the seriousness and magnitude of the problem.
This case highlights the rampant problem of child sex trafficking in Colombia and the urgent need for stricter measures to protect minors. The international community must continue to work together to stop the exploitation of vulnerable children and bring those responsible to justice.
As for Schulte, he must face the full weight of the law for his despicable actions. Victims deserve justice and we must do everything in our power to ensure they receive it. However, the modus operandi of loser men from American and European men visiting South American countries to commit heinous acts will need a cultural reset and rehabilitation.
With information from El País