Three executives of the association filed a complaint for moral harassment against the director general of the Pupilles de l’enseignement public du Jura (PEP39), Ludovic Zocchetti, in May 2021.
One, recruited as deputy director the previous January, was fired before the end of her trial period. Two others, respectively responsible for the general services of two structures and worker at the Jouhe home, are still on sick leave. The three complaints were dismissed a few weeks ago.
“I didn’t want them to find out from the press”
Contacted by phone by Progress, Ludovic Zocchetti explained that he did not immediately make public this decision of the prosecution to allow time for the justice services to warn the complainants. “I didn’t want them to find out from the press,” commented the general manager of PEP39.
At the time, Ludovic Zochetti did not wish to speak on the merits of the case during the procedure. “I am aware because people have been summoned to be heard,” he explained. Before adding: “I have been in the business for 22 years. I have been at PEP39 for 4 years, two years as director of the social center and two years as general manager. There has never been an incident, never an alert”
The president had resigned
His disagreement with the deputy director had caused the resignation of Philippe Genestier, who then chaired the PEP39. Ludovic Zocchetti had requested the termination of the employee’s trial period for insubordination and non-compliance with the instructions imposed.
The board of directors had followed him against the advice of the president who had preferred to leave his post following this setback. “We are very surprised by these accusations made against Ludovic Zocchetti, and by their violence. The board of directors supports the general manager of the association. […] Personally, I was heard in the context of the ongoing investigations. I gave my version of the facts to the police. I refuse to give it outside the framework of the investigation,” said Brigitte Comparet, vice-president of PEP39, also asked by Progress when filing complaints.
A social center and a holiday center
The pupils of public education in the Jura (PEP39) are an association for the protection of children. They manage three residential reception sites for children aged 6 to 18 who most often arrive following a decision by the juvenile court judge.
Two social children’s homes (MECS) in Jouhe and Lavigny, as well as a temporary youth center (FJMAP) in Lons. Its educators also intervene in the context of educational placements at home. That is, mainly, for the social pole.
But the association also has a vocation for education and leisure, among other things, through discovery classes and vacations on its sites in Lamoura and Quiberon. It also offers family stays, for seniors, or even welcomes a disabled public.