Retired New Orleans priest invokes rights against self-incrimination in molestation lawsuit

NEW ORLEANS (LA)
NOLA.com

May 11, 2020

By Ramon Antonio Vargas

In a clear sign that he’s concerned about the potential of being criminally prosecuted, a retired New Orleans priest who is accused in a lawsuit of sexually molesting “countless” children invoked his constitutional rights against self-incrimination shortly before his deposition.

Lawrence Hecker, through his attorney, served notice March 13 — during the early days of New Orleans’ coronavirus pandemic — that he would essentially exercise his right to remain silent “from this point forward” in a lawsuit filed against him and the Archdiocese of New Orleans in April 2019, according to court records.

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