A police officer from Nantes has been charged and placed in provisional detention for the alleged sexual assault and rape of an eight-year-old boy, according to the Rennes prosecutor's office. The officer, a 45-year-old man who had exclusive custody of his own child, is accused of committing the acts against a friend of his son. The prosecutor confirmed that the accused has admitted to the charges, which date back to incidents that occurred in a private setting.

The case, initially under the jurisdiction of the Nantes prosecutor's office, was transferred to Rennes due to the officer's position within the Nantes police force. This move was made to ensure the integrity of the investigation and to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. The officer, who had been working with the group handling violence against persons for approximately six months, is now being held in isolation away from Nantes.

According to reports from Ouest-France, the officer had previously been disciplined for inappropriate behavior towards a female colleague during a social event, leading to his transfer from the family protection unit. His recent request to be moved to the minors' group was reportedly denied following these allegations. The news of his arrest and charges has reportedly shocked his colleagues, prompting internal discussions and a debriefing session among the teams he was associated with.

The case has raised questions about the mechanisms in place for monitoring and disciplining officers within the police force, especially those in sensitive positions dealing with vulnerable populations. The Rennes prosecutor's office has emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation, ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law.