Uncertainty, delays in former New Orleans priest Lawrence Hecker’s trial
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The mental competency hearing for former priest and accused child rapist Lawrence Hecker was delayed Monday morning. Attorneys say Hecker had not been evaluated by a doctor yet.
Hecker is currently held on a $855,000 bond and faces charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping, crimes against nature, and theft. If found guilty, the 92-year-old will spend the rest of his life in prison.
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The claims against Hecker stem from a 1999 document, believed to include Hecker’s confession about sexually molesting and harming several teenagers between 1966 and 1972.
This case joins a long list of clergy sexual abuse lawsuits across Louisiana, many due to a temporary state law that permits victims of childhood sexual abuse to sue for damages, even if their statutory deadline has lapsed. This legal provision, known as a “lookback window,” received overwhelming approval during the 2021 legislative session. Before this window, the statute of limitations covered sexual assault survivors only until they turned 28.
However, in a 4-3 ruling on Friday, the Louisiana Supreme Court rescinded the extended window.
Attorney Richard Trahant, representing multiple plaintiffs in these cases, called it “a devastating ruling for all child sexual abuse survivors who did not file a lawsuit before their 28th birthday.”
But all hope is not lost for victims, Trahant added, “statute of limitations can be fought on its own merits in each individual case. For example, if someone suffered from dissociative amnesia (formerly known as repressed memory), the victim-survivor might still be able to overcome prescription.”
It is uncertain what will happen in Hecker’s case. When asked, his Attorney, Bobby Hjortsberg, said, “I think it would take us some more time to evaluate, if at all, if it will affect the criminal trial.”
The future of the case also depends on whether Hecker is fit to stand trial. His mental competency evaluation is scheduled for Thursday.
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