The facts, revealed by young licensees from the Saint-Maurice-l'Exil secular association club for which he was responsible, would have taken place between 2017 and 2024, prosecutor Olivier Rabot told AFP, confirming information from Dauphiné Libéré.
The man, who had no criminal record, was placed in pre-trial detention and indicted on charges of “rape by a person in authority; rape of a minor under the age of 15; sexual assault by a person in authority; sexual assault on a minor under 15; corruption of a minor under 15; corruption of a minor,” detailed the prosecutor.
A judicial investigation was opened in particular “to identify other potential victims”, he added.
According to Patrick Lardière, president of this club comprising 380 members, seven complaints have been filed so far.
The coach had “the confidence of everyone”, he told AFP, expressing his “incomprehension”.
He himself was alerted on December 24 by the mother of a 14-year-old boy to whom the educator in question had suggested that they watch a match together. He fired the coach three days later.
“It’s going to be complicated to get over it,” said Mr. Lardière, who said he “understands that parents are withdrawing their children” from the club. For now, a psychological unit will be set up with the support of two associations, he said.
According to Dauphiné Libéré, the man arrested is 32 years old and had worked as a sports instructor for around ten years in the club.
