Fr. Gerald R. Hechenberger

Ordained: 1996
Status: Convicted

Died: 03/6/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Belleville IL

“Jerry.” Arrested 1/08/2018, charged with possession and dissemination of child pornography, and possession of methamphetamine. Associate pastor of Holy Childhood parish and school in Mascoutah, St. Pancratius in Fayetteville and St. Liborius in St. Libory. Had taken leave in 2011 for “very serious personal, pastoral and legal challenges.” In 2004 pled guilty to trespassing at a truck stop “holding his pants in his hand and [with] no shirt on.” Charged in 1983 and 1989 with DUIs. It was announced 1/2019 that he would undergo a psych evaluation to determine if he was mentally competent to stand trial. Pleaded guilty in 11/2019. Sentenced to nine years in prison. On diocese’s list 12/19/2018. Died in jail 3/6/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.

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