NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Former New Orleans priest Lawrence Hecker, who was wanted on sex crime-related charges, has pleaded guilty ahead of his Dec. 3 trial start. Hecker appeared in court on Tuesday, along with Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, who said he was prepared to go to trial. Former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee accused of fraud The plea reportedly came as a surprise to Williams. Hecker pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree rape, aggravated kidnapping, crime against nature and theft in connection to crimes committed in the 1970s. Earlier this year, the 93-year-old's mental competency was called into question. In July, a psychiatrist on the Sanity Commission, Dr. DeLand, said based on a 7,000-page report of Hecker's health, he should be tested for dementia. On Aug. 8, Hecker was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia with mild cognitive impairment. The diagnosis was just one of several delays of the trial start date, Sept. 24, including the judge overseeing the trial, Judge Benedict Willard, recusing himself and Hecker's hospitalization due to a urinary tract infection. One dead, five injured in Avondale home explosion Sentencing is set for Dec. 18, where victim impact statements will also be heard. Hecker is expected to serve life. Latest Posts Construction to begin for youth center in Baton Rouge, expected to open next summer Louisiana officials voice litter concerns at Regional Litter Summit Prosecutors: DC police officer’s talk with Proud Boys leader grew secretive as arrest neared Trump’s DEA nominee withdraws from consideration just days after being picked U.S. says it’s monitoring developments in South Korea