French Educator Faces 89 Charges of Historical Sexual Abuse

Wed Feb 11 2026 12:48:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A 79-year-old former teacher has been arrested and charged in a shocking case of alleged sexual abuse involving 89 minors spanning over six decades. Police have outlined the global nature of the accusations, which involve countries from Europe to Asia.

Jacques Leveugle, a 79-year-old former educator, has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of 89 teenagers, with allegations dating back to 1967. Found by his nephew via a USB containing incriminating evidence, police confirm that his abuses may have occurred in multiple countries. Authorities hope to identify further victims through this high-profile case, which has broader implications for recognizing historical sexual crimes.

In a disturbing development, Jacques Leveugle, a 79-year-old former teacher, has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of 89 teenagers in a case that stretches across several decades and countries. The charges are the result of a police investigation that dates back to the 1960s, a period during which Leveugle allegedly engaged in sexual relations with minors aged 13 to 17.

Leveugle, who is currently in custody in southeastern France, was apprehended after his nephew discovered compromised material on a USB drive. Prosecutor Étienne Manteaux revealed in a press conference that the USB contained detailed logs of Leveugle's interactions and relationships with these minors.

In an unusual step, authorities have chosen to disclose the name of the suspect in order to encourage other potential victims to come forward. Manteaux stated that fewer than half of the alleged victims have been identified so far, prompting an appeal for anyone affected to contact the police.

According to Manteaux, the alleged crimes are believed to have taken place not only in France but also in multiple locations including Germany, Switzerland, Morocco, Niger, Algeria, the Philippines, India, Colombia, and the French overseas territory of New Caledonia. Throughout his life, Leveugle worked in roles that involved informal teaching at holiday camps, which may have put him in contact with many vulnerable youths.

Details regarding Leveugle's movements and activities from the 1960s to the present have surfaced, shedding light on how he could have potentially targeted minors across several regions. Leveugle was arrested in 2024 during a visit to his brother’s home in France, after living in Morocco.

This case brings into focus the issue of historical sexual abuse, as incidents that occurred before 1993 cannot lead to prosecution due to France's statute of limitations. Nevertheless, the prosecutor emphasized the importance of reviewing all allegations to gain insight into Leveugle's conduct and to ensure justice for any victims.

In light of this case, Manteaux highlighted recent incidents in France in which past records of abuse played a crucial role in securing convictions. Examples show that justice can indeed be served even in cases with seemingly insurmountable odds.