A major investigation has been underway since 2022, after around 50 former children placed by Social Assistance for Children (ASE) reported abuse suffered while in foster care. The reported incidents span two decades, from 1997 to 2017, according to a statement from Sarreguemines prosecutor Olivier Glady.
After reviewing the evidence, investigators retained the testimonies of 14 women and 12 men, now adults, who described a pattern of sexual violence, assaults, deprivation of care, and corrupt behaviour by the two men, both of whom served as foster carers. Some victims also reported violence and neglect.
The accused, who have no prior criminal records, were members of two different foster families, with one family acting as an alternate or “relay” for the other. Both men were taken into custody on 19 August, and both deny any wrongdoing.
One of the suspects, aged 71, has now been formally charged with rape and sexual assault of minors, as well as corruption of minors, for offences alleged to have occurred between 2009 and 2016. He was placed in pre-trial detention for a short period before being released under judicial supervision.
The second man, aged 61, faces charges of sexual assault and corruption of minors, relating to alleged incidents between 2015 and 2017. He has also been placed under judicial supervision.
In addition, the 69-year-old wife of the eldest suspect has been charged with failing to report the abuse.
According to the local newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain, the elder of the two accused had previously been the subject of a complaint for sexual assault on a minor and indecent exposure, but the case was dismissed in 2019.
