New Orleans accused of ‘running out the clock’ on retired priest’s rape charges

Accuser's lawyer says legal and religious establishment delaying case in hope Lawrence Hecker, 92, dies before trial

Key parts of New Orleans's legal and religious establishments are running out the clock" on rape and kidnapping charges pending against the admitted child molester and retired local priest Lawrence Hecker, an attorney for the case's alleged victim said Thursday.

Richard Trahant delivered his comments after the clergyman, 92, received a sixth trial delay meant to help determine his mental competence.