Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The judge overseeing the criminal case against former New Orleans priest Lawrence Hecker has recused himself. Hecker's trial was set to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 24. However, the recusal caused another delay in the trial. New Orleans police search for teen accused of escaping Juvenile Justice Intervention Center Hecker is accused of aggravated rape, kidnapping, crimes against nature and theft. He was indicted on those charges by a jury in September 2023, after what is believed to be his confession of sexually molesting and harming several teenagers between 1966 and 1972 surfaced. At a competency hearing on Aug. 8, a judge stated that Hecker was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia with mild cognitive impairment. (Courtesy: Archdiocese of New Orleans) The evaluation at that hearing did not clarify whether Hecker is competent to stand trial. Former Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans special agent accused of fraud On Sept. 24, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Benedict Willard recused himself from the case, citing "disrespect" and the state's actions. Prosecutors said a judge recusing himself the morning of the trial is "vindictive." Hecker was also not present during Tuesday's hearing, meaning the trial was not able to proceed. According to the defense, Hecker will now have to be re-evaluated, and re-assignment is expected to take about 30 days. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Son of Ryan Routh, suspect in Trump assassination attempt, arrested on child pornography charges What's a National Blue Ribbon School? These 356 schools just won the honor Coca-Cola phasing out 'permanent' flavor less than a year after debut Biden bids farewell to UN amid global turmoil SNAP increases – and changes to who qualifies – take effect Oct. 1