Trial was supposed to start today in New Orleans in the sex abuse case of former priest Lawrence Hecker, but the judge abruptly recused himself from the case, claiming prosecution was being disrespectful.
Our partners at NOLA.com report Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Benedict Willard decided to recuse himself "due to actions and activities that took place" in the courtroom.
First Assistant District Attorney Ned McGowan said the judge's decision to recuse at the last minute was "vindictive."
WWL-TV's David Hammer reported the recusal was the result of another case where Willard held McGowan in contempt.
Hecker himself was not present. Defense lawyers said their 93-year-old client had to be hospitalized for an infection.
District Attorney Jason Williams said he is growing weary of the delay in justice for the men Hecker hurt.
"When they were boys, 30 years ago, and they told an adult 'a grown man hurt me,' and people looked the other way or told them to shut up or pretended like it didn't happen; I can't reed between the lines and figure out why those grownups did what they did and I certainly can't read between the lines of his defense team that somehow thinks because he has a urinary tract infection that he can't proceed with trial," said Williams.
Hecker admitted to a WWL-TV camera crew that he had sex with underage boys in the 1960s and '70s.
