By Natalia Rueda 
The night of March 28 caused shock and outrage in Colombia when a concerned citizen reported the presence of a 36-year-old American tourist in the Gotham Hotel, located in the Poblado area, with two underage girls. The quick response of the authorities led to the discovery of Timothy Alan Livingston in one of the hotel rooms with the two little girls, aged 12 and 13.
According to reports, this was not the first time Livingston had attempted to enter the same hotel with minors. The night before, she had been denied access along with two other girls. Although authorities found no evidence of sexual abuse or financial coercion of the minors, Mayor Federico Gutiérrez ordered the hotel sealed and its business activities suspended due to its apparent lack of measures to prevent the entry of minors in the company of unrelated adults.
Livingston, who had arrived in the country a week ago from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was released after questioning and fled the country for his place of origin on March 29. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez expressed his outrage and promised to seek justice for the victims.
The two girls are currently receiving medical and psychological treatment at a local clinic while awaiting the results of forensic sexological examinations.
This disturbing case has highlighted the issue of child abuse and exploitation in Colombia. It is clear that more commitment to the safety and well-being of children is needed. This is a wake-up call to the entire community to be alert and report any suspicious situation that puts the integrity of minors at risk.