New Orleans, LA – Today, as ex-priest Lawrence Hecker’s much-delayed rape trial was set to begin, Hecker pleaded guilty as charged on all counts against him.

Lawrence Hecker, 93, was charged with aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated crime against nature, and theft for strangling a teenage boy unconscious and raping him in a church in 1975. Although the incident was reported years ago, no responsible agency initiated an investigation or prosecution. Hecker had admitted years ago to abusing multiple juveniles while assigned to the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Following Hecker’s indictment by DA Jason Williams, the case was delayed numerous times in what DA Williams described as Hecker’s malingering and exaggeration of various medical issues, as well as a judge’s last-minute recusal. Williams committed to personally overseeing Hecker’s prosecution, seeking justice on behalf of all those victimized by Hecker. DA Williams, First Assistant Edward McGowan, and Chief of Screening Andre Gaudin arrived at court this morning fully prepared to begin jury selection when Hecker elected to plead guilty. On December 18, Judge Nandi Campbell will sentence Hecker to mandatory life imprisonment.

Justice Prevails: Courage of Victims and Dedication of Prosecutors End Decades of Silence

“For decades, Lawrence Hecker was allowed to prey upon the children of our community due to the cowardice of many,” said First Assistant Edward McGowan. “Today he was finally brought to justice thanks to the courage of his victims, and the dedication of the law enforcement and prosecution team that insisted that this truth be brought to light. I am honored to have been part of the team that was able to deliver this long overdue measure of justice to Hecker’s victims, and to our City.”

DA Williams firmly rejected the notion that Hecker’s guilty plea was a sign of remorse. “I haven’t seen a lot of good in Hecker,” Williams said. “He knew what he did. He should’ve stepped up and pled guilty long ago.”

Williams also highlighted the media’s role in holding Hecker accountable for his acts and placing a spotlight on the clergy’s longstanding failure to protect children from abuse.

Relentless Efforts Deliver Justice for Victims of Decades-Long Abuse

“I am deeply grateful to the Louisiana State Police Investigators and Special Agents of the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) Task Force for their relentless dedication in bringing Lawrence Hecker to justice.

In particular, LSP Investigators Scott Rodrigue and Olivia Collins showed exemplary commitment as they meticulously uncovered the trail of evidence Monsignor Hecker left behind over nearly half a century of victimizing countless young boys under his care,” said Chief Gaudin.