A couple of foster carers in Moselle are at the center of a major judicial investigation following testimonies from several former children who were placed in their home. The 71-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife were formally charged on August 21 as part of a judicial inquiry opened in Sarreguemines. Investigators suspect the man of rape, sexual assault, attempted rape, and corruption of minors. His wife is being prosecuted for failing to report child abuse. Both deny the charges against them.
The case began in 2022, following a complaint filed by a young woman who had recently turned 18. This former foster child of the couple reported abuse and corruption of minors. The investigation then expanded considerably: investigators set out to locate the approximately fifty minors who had been taken in by this foster family over the years. They were found throughout France and interviewed as part of the investigation.
26 testimonies that turn the investigation around
Of the fifty or so former foster children, 26 reported experiencing violence, sexual assault, attempted rape, or rape. Among them are 14 boys and 12 girls. The alleged incidents span nearly twenty years, between 1997 and 2016. Most of these children reportedly never lived together in the couple's home. For the public prosecutor of Sarreguemines, Olivier Glady, this means that "an entire generation of minors is affected."
A judicial inquiry was opened on August 21 and assigned to an investigating judge in Sarreguemines to determine precisely what happened and establish any potential liability. Following their indictment, the two suspects were placed in pretrial detention. However, they appealed this decision to the investigating chamber of the Metz Court of Appeal . The court ultimately ruled in their favor on Thursday and ordered their release. The couple is now under judicial supervision while the investigation continues.
If you want, I can also make you a more " Interview " style version, with an even more catchy title and an angle more focused on the 26 testimonies.
