NEW ORLEANS (LA)
WDSU [New Orleans]
December 3, 2024
By Erin Lowrey and Aubry Killion
A former New Orleans priest accused of rape and kidnapping entered a guilty plea ahead of his expected trial Tuesday.
Lawrence Hecker entered his plea just moments before jury selection was slated to begin in his trial.
He pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping, aggravated crime against nature, first-degree rape, and theft.
Hecker’s sentencing will be Dec. 18, and he faces life in prison.
The trial had been delayed for months over concerns of Hecker’s mental competency as well as the case being moved to Section G of court after Judge Ben Willard recused himself.
A doctor confirmed that Hecker does have Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but Hecker was found competent to stand trial, according to his attorney Bobby Hjortsberg.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued the following statement regarding Hecker’s guilty plea:
“It is our hope and prayer that today’s court proceedings bring healing and peace to the survivor and all survivors of sexual abuse. We continue to hold all survivors in prayer.”