Trial expected to begin for former New Orleans priest accused of sex crimes

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A former New Orleans priest accused of rape, kidnapping, and other sex crimes is set to begin trial Tuesday (Sept. 24) morning.

It's a high profile sex abuse case with allegations against Lawrence Hecker dating back to 1966 when he took over the archdiocese's scouting program.

Lawrence Hecker is expected to be in the courtroom today with lawyers beginning the jury selection process in about three hours.

That's if the judge feels confident in Hecker's medical ability to be tried.

This case has seen months of delays because of competency. Defense lawyers have argued that Hecker is 92 years old and suffering from a mild case of dementia and short-term memory loss.

But earlier this month, court records show two expert doctors disagree, finding Hecker competent daily.

One lawyer for an alleged victim says he does not want this trial delayed any further.

The archdiocese says they've reported Hecker to authorities multiple times since his retirement in 2002.

Fox 8 learned that Hecker received retirement benefits until 2020.