Holiday center activity leader in Tarnos suspended and held in pretrial detention

Tarnos – 07.07.2026: In the coastal town of Tarnos (Département Landes), the judiciary is investigating an activity leader of the local Centre de Loisirs. The staff member was provisionally relieved of duty in early July following internal indications and initial reports from families. After several complaints filed with the police, the Dax public prosecutor’s office confirmed on Monday that the investigation is proceeding. The suspect was taken into custody on 6 July and later transferred to pretrial detention under judicial supervision.

According to consistent statements from municipal circles and local media, investigators are examining indications of sexual assaults against minors. Neither the identity of the suspect nor information about allegedly affected children is being published for reasons of privacy protection. The municipality said it immediately informed the competent authorities, reviewed internal procedures and ensured cooperation with the police and the public prosecutor’s office.

The Centre de Loisirs is run by a local association responsible for holiday and leisure offerings in the town. According to the association’s management, parents were informed, preventive measures in the center’s daily operations were strengthened, and the accused’s professional contact with children was completely prevented. At the same time, the operator is reviewing its hiring and supervision processes to close possible gaps. The municipality points out that all statutory suitability and criminal-record checks for staff working with children and young people must continue to be applied strictly.

Investigators are currently securing possible evidence and evaluating witness statements. In proceedings involving minors, hearings are usually conducted in child-appropriate settings, for example with specially trained interviewing officers. The public prosecutor’s office emphasizes that, for tactical reasons related to the investigation, only limited information can be provided. Legally, the presumption of innocence applies until a conviction becomes final.

For affected families, the city’s social services have coordinated short-term support offerings, including psychological counseling and referrals to specialized contact points. Experts advise parents that, in cases of suspicion, they should immediately contact the police or youth protection services and not question children themselves so as not to influence memories. Authorities ask possible witnesses to contact the investigative services directly.

The case weighs on the community in Tarnos, where the holiday centre is seen as an important component of summer care. When the preliminary investigation can be concluded is open. Depending on the result, the public prosecutor’s office may bring charges or discontinue the proceedings. Until then, the town, the association and the judiciary are relying on discretion to ensure the integrity of the proceedings and the protection of the children.