Full Breakdown
French Prosecutor Appeals for Witnesses in Case of Alleged Abuse by Jacques Leveugle
2/11/2026, 12:24:15 AM
Overview of Allegations
French authorities have charged 79-year-old Jacques Leveugle with aggravated rape and sexual assault against 89 minors over a span of more than five decades. The alleged crimes occurred between 1967 and 2022 across multiple countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Morocco, Niger, Algeria, the Philippines, India, Colombia, and the French overseas territory of New Caledonia. Prosecutor Étienne Manteaux announced the charges during a press conference in Grenoble, emphasizing the need for potential victims and witnesses to come forward.
Investigation Details
The case against Leveugle was significantly informed by a digital "memoir" found on a USB drive, which contained 15 volumes detailing his interactions with minors aged 13 to 17. This USB drive was discovered by Leveugle's nephew, who was investigating his uncle's emotional and sexual history. Manteaux noted that the writings allowed investigators to identify the alleged victims, but many identities were incomplete, prompting the public appeal for further information.
Background on the Suspect
Jacques Leveugle, born in 1946 in Annecy, France, worked as a freelance educator, including roles as a French teacher and an instructor in speleology. His varied positions provided him access to numerous minors, which prosecutors allege facilitated the abuse. Leveugle has been in custody since his indictment in 2024.
Confessions and Additional Investigations
In addition to the sexual abuse allegations, Leveugle has confessed to the murders of two relatives: his terminally ill mother in the 1970s and his 92-year-old aunt in the 1990s. Manteaux stated that Leveugle smothered both women with a pillow, justifying his actions by expressing a desire for someone to assist him similarly in a terminal situation. These confessions have led to a parallel investigation into the murders.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Manteaux highlighted the urgency of the case, stating, “This name must be known because the goal is to allow possible victims to come forward.” He acknowledged the unusual nature of publicly naming a suspect under investigation in France, explaining that it was essential to ensure the veracity of the facts before making the identity public.
Criticism & Opposition
The case has drawn attention in light of previous high-profile sexual abuse cases in France, such as the Pelicot case, which exposed systemic failures in protecting victims. Advocates for child rights have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the child protection system in France, which they argue has allowed such abuses to persist.
What's Next
French authorities are continuing their investigation, with an emphasis on international cooperation to identify additional victims across the various countries where Leveugle allegedly operated. The public appeal for witnesses remains open, as investigators seek to gather more information related to the extensive allegations against him.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This name must be known because the goal is to allow possible victims to come forward,” — Étienne Manteaux, Prosecutor
- “we realized we were up against a wall.” — Étienne Manteaux, Prosecutor
- “He decided to kill her too, so while she was asleep, he took a pillow and suffocated her,” — Étienne Manteaux, Prosecutor
