A shocking case has unfolded in France as authorities have charged an elderly man, Jacques Leveugle, 79, with the rape and sexual assault of 89 minors in a mass abuse case that reportedly extends over several countries and decades. The Grenoble prosecutor, Etienne Manteaux, disclosed during a news conference that Leveugle was arrested after a USB drive belonging to him was discovered by his nephew, which allegedly contained detailed accounts of sexual encounters with individuals aged between 13 and 17.
In a rare decision, the authorities have opted to publicly name Leveugle, hoping to encourage any additional victims to come forward, as only about 40 of the alleged victims have currently been identified.
The reported crimes date back from 1967 onwards, with Manteaux stating that Leveugle worked as an informal teacher or assistant at various holiday camps throughout his life. Not only do the allegations suggest numerous incidents in France, but they also encompass locations like Germany, Switzerland, and even as far as India and Colombia.
Leveugle was arrested in early 2024, after visiting his brother in Isère around Grenoble. His nephew’s decision to investigate Leveugle's USB led to the discovery of what the prosecutor termed "15 tomes of very dense material," including photographs and written notes documenting his interactions with minors.
In a disturbing turn of events, it was also revealed that Leveugle allegedly confessed to having murdered his own mother and aunt. He claimed to have smothered them while they were in terminal stages of illness and justified his actions as a misguided act of mercy. Due to the statute of limitations on many of these alleged assaults, which occurred prior to 1993, not all of the incidents may result in prosecution.
This case highlights a growing trend in France where prolific sexual offenders have used meticulous record-keeping to prop up their defense or evade justice for years. Manteaux added that ongoing work is essential to identify all the victims and gather a fuller account of Leveugle's alleged offenses.
In a rare decision, the authorities have opted to publicly name Leveugle, hoping to encourage any additional victims to come forward, as only about 40 of the alleged victims have currently been identified.
The reported crimes date back from 1967 onwards, with Manteaux stating that Leveugle worked as an informal teacher or assistant at various holiday camps throughout his life. Not only do the allegations suggest numerous incidents in France, but they also encompass locations like Germany, Switzerland, and even as far as India and Colombia.
Leveugle was arrested in early 2024, after visiting his brother in Isère around Grenoble. His nephew’s decision to investigate Leveugle's USB led to the discovery of what the prosecutor termed "15 tomes of very dense material," including photographs and written notes documenting his interactions with minors.
In a disturbing turn of events, it was also revealed that Leveugle allegedly confessed to having murdered his own mother and aunt. He claimed to have smothered them while they were in terminal stages of illness and justified his actions as a misguided act of mercy. Due to the statute of limitations on many of these alleged assaults, which occurred prior to 1993, not all of the incidents may result in prosecution.
This case highlights a growing trend in France where prolific sexual offenders have used meticulous record-keeping to prop up their defense or evade justice for years. Manteaux added that ongoing work is essential to identify all the victims and gather a fuller account of Leveugle's alleged offenses.
