NEW ORLEANS (LA)
WVUE [New Orleans LA]
May 3, 2024
By Rob Masson
An attorney closely involved with the Archdiocese of New Orleans bankruptcy case is advocating for a fresh strategy in addressing clergy abuse allegations. He proposes the appointment of a special monitor to oversee future abuse claims following alarming revelations from a recently released search warrant.
“Previous Archbishop’s knew other complaints and failed to report the abuse,” said Attorney Roger Stetter.
A search warrant affidavit signed last week by Scott Rodrigue, a special victims investigator with the State Police, detailed disturbing allegations. It revealed that certain victims were transferred among priests and recounted the ordeal of a victim of Father Lawrence Hecker, who reported his rape shortly after it happened. Despite the report, no legal action was taken.
Furthermore, the affidavit mentioned that Hecker, who is currently awaiting trial, was diagnosed as a ‘pedophile’ by a psychiatrist. Yet, he was released and reassigned to another parish.
According to Stetter, the protracted nature of the bankruptcy case, which has lingered for four years, and the advancing age of victims and alleged abusers make it imperative for the bankruptcy judge to finalize the case and overhaul a problematic process.
“I was shocked there were pool parties at Notre Dame Seminary where children were asked to skinny dip, and they were sexually assaulted on the premises,” said Stetter.
He suggests the appointment of a special independent monitor or master to manage future church sex abuse cases, citing past failures by church authorities.