Colombia's General Prosecutor's Office has dismissed and disqualified Carlos Mario Carvajal Gaitán, former ombudsman of Solano in Caquetá, for 13 years due to an unjustified absence from his position between February and March 2022. The first-instance decision classifies the offense as very serious and committed with intent. An appeal can be filed against the ruling.
Colombia's General Prosecutor's Office has taken this disciplinary action against Carlos Mario Carvajal Gaitán for absenting himself from his role as municipal ombudsman of Solano, in the department of Caquetá, without justification from February 16 to March 12, 2022. According to the investigating body, the official failed to notify or seek authorization from the municipal council for a period exceeding five days, resulting in an unjustified separation from duty and disrupting the regular operations of the Solano Ombudsman Office.
Evidence gathered shows that on March 11, 2022, Carvajal Gaitán requested a two-month leave via email, which was denied by the council the following day, March 12. It was only after this rejection that he submitted his resignation on March 16, 2022. The Prosecutor's Office classified this behavior as a very serious offense committed with dolus, meaning deliberate intent.
This is a first-instance decision issued by the Regional Prosecutor's Office for Judgment in Caquetá. An appeal is available, allowing the affected party to challenge the ruling in higher instances. The case underscores the importance of accountability in public positions and disciplinary oversight of local officials in areas like Caquetá.
