Another delay in sexual abuse case against 92-year-old former New Orleans priest
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Lawrence Hecker, the former New Orleans priest accused of aggravated rape, kidnapping, crimes against nature and theft, had a competency hearing delayed again in court on Thursday, June 13.
92-year-old Hecker was formally indicted in September 2023 after a 1999 document, believed to be a confession in the sexual molestation of several teenagers between 1966 and 1972, was uncovered.
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Following the discovery, Hecker surrendered himself to authorities and was held in custody at the Orleans Parish Jail on a $855,000 bond, which he requested to be lowered twice but had denied.
During a Sept. 13 arraignment hearing, Hecker entered a not guilty plea.
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This competency hearing comes after several delays in the case, including reasons of Hecker not yet seeing a doctor in March and in April when his defense claimed they did not have time to review the results of his mental evaluation.
Victims of Hecker, including Gretna City Councilman Jackie Berthelot, said they’re ready for the fight to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in the case.
On Thursday, the case was delayed again until Thursday, July 11.
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