Piano teacher in Mayenne held in pre-trial detention for sexual abuse of two nine-year-old girls

Mayenne – 09.07.2026: A 47-year-old man, who is said to have worked as a piano and guitar teacher, has been remanded in custody in the Mayenne department on suspicion of sexual acts with minors. The Laval public prosecutor’s office confirmed that criminal proceedings had been opened against the suspect. The decision to remand him in custody was made following a judicial hearing after he was brought before the police.

The proceedings were prompted by complaints from the parents of two nine-year-old girls. According to the public prosecutor’s office, the allegations were based on statements by the children themselves. During police questioning, the suspect is said to have confessed to the acts; the relevant reports were transferred to the judicial authorities. The Mayenne gendarmerie conducted the initial investigation and interviews. The authorities did not provide any information about the precise sequence of events or seized evidence, citing the protection of the minors.

According to the information available so far, the allegations concern contacts in a domestic setting, possibly in the context of lessons. Specific locations, times, or other persons involved have not been disclosed. The judicial authorities emphasized that the children’s identities are strictly protected. Standard protective measures, such as psychological support, contact bans, and location restrictions, are available under judicial practice in such cases and may be imposed depending on the progress of the investigation.

Under French law, pre-trial detention may be ordered to safeguard the collection of evidence, prevent pressure on possible witnesses, avoid further acts, or ensure the suspect’s appearance before investigating authorities. The precise legal classification of the acts is for the investigating judge to determine; depending on their severity, it ranges from sexual abuse to more serious criminal offenses against minors. Statements from a lawyer for the suspect were initially unavailable. Despite his statements during questioning, the man remains presumed innocent until a decision becomes final.

The case has caused shock in the region. In smaller municipalities, where private music teachers often give lessons in domestic settings, suspicions raise practical questions for families and associations: parents can contact local gendarmerie stations or the Tribunal judiciaire de Laval to provide information or inquire about victim support. In France, those affected can contact number 119 (children in danger) and regional victim support organizations, among others. The investigation in Mayenne is ongoing; further measures by the judicial authorities are possible once additional information becomes available.