Beloved Moroccan Teacher Unmasked: Frenchman Investigated for Abusing 89 Children

Jacques Leveugle, known for decades as the thin Frenchman who swept streets at dawn, is accused of sexually abusing dozens of students in Morocco.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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For decades, Jacques Leveugle was known in the Moroccan city of Khenifra simply as the thin Frenchman who swept the streets at dawn, offered free French lessons to local children, and was beloved by the community. But authorities have now uncovered a dark secret - Leveugle has been arrested and is under investigation for sexually abusing at least 89 children over many years.

Why it matters

This case has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Khenifra community, where Leveugle was trusted and respected. It raises troubling questions about how such abuse could go undetected for so long, and highlights the vulnerability of children, especially in developing countries, to predatory adults who gain their trust.

The details

Leveugle, 67, was arrested on February 4th at a Motel 6 in South San Antonio, Texas, near a bus line that provides transportation to Mexico. Authorities say he had been planning to flee the country. He is now facing charges of sexually abusing at least 89 children, mostly boys between the ages of 8 and 15, over the course of several decades while living and working in Khenifra.

  • Leveugle was arrested on February 4, 2026 in South San Antonio, Texas.
  • The alleged abuse occurred over several decades while Leveugle lived and worked in Khenifra, Morocco.

The players

Jacques Leveugle

A 67-year-old Frenchman who was known in the Moroccan city of Khenifra for decades as a beloved community member who offered free French lessons to local children, but is now accused of sexually abusing at least 89 of those children over many years.

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What they’re saying

“This is a horrific betrayal of trust. We are devastated that someone we all thought was a pillar of the community could do such unspeakable things to our children.”

— Fatima Benali, Khenifra resident

What’s next

Leveugle is currently being held in a Texas jail and will be extradited to Morocco to face charges. Authorities in both countries are working to identify any additional victims and ensure all those affected receive counseling and support.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for greater vigilance and stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children, even in tight-knit communities where trusted adults may not be who they seem. It underscores the global nature of child abuse and the importance of international cooperation to bring perpetrators to justice.