Doctor Joël Le Scouarnec accused of decades of sexual abuse uncovered in Jonzac
A six-year-old's allegation prompted investigators to reveal that physician Joël Le Scouarnec had committed sexual abuse over many years in Jonzac, with evidence found in his digital files.
In the spring of 2017, a fallen tree removed a fence between the homes of Jérôme, Laura and their six-year-old daughter, and that of Joël Le Scouarnec in Jonzac, Charentes-Maritimes. After the daughter disclosed that Le Scouarnec had sexually assaulted her, her father immediately involved the gendarmerie, though officers were skeptical given Le Scouarnec’s reputation as a notable physician. The ensuing probe uncovered digital files at his residence documenting decades of sexual and incestuous abuse of patients and family members.
Journalist Clawdia Prolongeau narrated these findings in the Crime story podcast, produced with Damien Delseny of the Parisien’s police-justice service. The episode coincides with a documentary on the case broadcast on France 2. Production credits include Pierre Chausse, Jules Lavie, Thibault Lambert, Clémentine Spiler, Pierre Chaffanjon and photographer Benoit Peyrucq.
Why it matters
It shows how abuse can hide behind professional respect and the crucial role of victim testimony.
In this story
