The Lorient public prosecutor's office has opened a new judicial investigation targeting Joël Le Scouarnec for ten rapes and forty sexual assaults. These alleged offenses, which are not considered to be subject to the statute of limitations, are believed to have been committed between 1987 and 2017. The investigation concerns 48 victims, some of whom may be linked to multiple offenses.
The charges relate to offenses committed against minors under the age of 15 or by a person abusing the authority inherent in their position. New offenses reportedly emerged or were confirmed during the former surgeon's previous trial. Additional complaints were also filed, leading to the opening of a preliminary investigation in May 2025 and the subsequent appointment of an investigating judge.
Already sentenced to twenty years imprisonment
Joël Le Scouarnec, 75, was sentenced in May 2025 to the maximum term of twenty years' imprisonment. The Morbihan criminal court found him guilty of rape and sexual assault committed between 1989 and 2014 against 299 victims, primarily former minor patients. His arrest in 2017 led to the discovery of personal documents in which he recorded numerous acts and identified his victims.
The victims' group regrets not having been informed of these new developments before their public announcement. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin is scheduled to meet with several victims on Friday in Vannes to discuss the shortcomings that allowed these crimes to continue for decades. Specific support will also be offered to those affected, with information sessions and discussions planned for the coming weeks.
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