In a pivotal moment of justice long delayed, former priest Lawrence Hecker, 93, pleaded guilty to all charges against him as his trial was set to begin. Hecker faced charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated crime against nature, and theft for the 1975 assault of a teenage boy in a church—a crime that remained unprosecuted for decades despite Hecker’s admissions of abuse during his tenure with the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
The guilty plea follows a years-long push for accountability led by District Attorney Jason Williams, whose office worked tirelessly to overcome numerous delays attributed to Hecker’s reported medical issues and procedural setbacks, including a judge’s last-minute recusal. Williams, joined by First Assistant Edward McGowan and Chief of Screening Andre Gaudin, arrived in court ready to proceed with jury selection when Hecker elected to plead guilty. Hecker now faces a mandatory life sentence, to be handed down by Judge Nandi Campbell on December 18.
Courage and Dedication: Delivering Long-Overdue Justice
“For decades, Lawrence Hecker preyed on children in our community, shielded by systemic failures and silence,” said McGowan. “Today, justice has been served thanks to the courage of his victims and the relentless efforts of law enforcement and our prosecution team.”
District Attorney Williams emphasized that Hecker’s guilty plea was not an act of remorse but an acknowledgment of the inevitable. “Hecker knew what he did. He should’ve stepped up and pled guilty long ago,” Williams stated, adding that the media played a vital role in exposing Hecker’s crimes and the clergy’s systemic failure to protect children.
Law Enforcement’s Relentless Pursuit of Accountability
Chief of Screening Andre Gaudin praised the Louisiana State Police Investigators and FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force for their meticulous work in uncovering the evidence necessary to bring Hecker to justice. “Thanks to their tireless efforts, justice, though delayed, was not denied,” Gaudin said, commending investigators Scott Rodrigue and Olivia Collins for their exemplary dedication.
Survivors’ Voices Heard, Healing Begins
Hecker’s guilty plea marks a turning point for the victims and the city of New Orleans. Deputy Chief of Screening Autumn Harrell called the outcome a step toward healing for those harmed. “It has been humbling to work alongside this incredible team to ensure these survivors’ voices were heard,” she said.
District Attorney Williams expressed gratitude to the legal and investigative teams whose sacrifices ensured justice prevailed. “Their unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of justice and service to our community has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he said, highlighting the contributions of individuals like Ariel White of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative and Anne Troy, a SANE Nurse with LCMC Health.
A Legacy of Accountability
The guilty plea underscores the importance of persistence in seeking justice for victims of abuse and shining a light on institutional failures. As Hecker faces life in prison, advocates hope this case sets a precedent for holding predators accountable and ensuring survivors’ stories are heard.
“This marks the beginning of a healing process for Hecker’s victims and a step toward addressing the broader atrocities committed against children by those in positions of trust,” Williams concluded.
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