Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Ramon Antonio Vargas in New Orleans

Two inveterate US clergy abusers preyed on same victim in New Orleans

A statue of the Virgin Mary
A statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the St Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photograph: Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Two of the most inveterate abusers in the history of the US Roman Catholic church’s clergy molestation scandal once converged on the same victim – before each was brought to justice years later for other crimes.

An altar server and former Boy Scouts member who grew up in New Orleans endured a wide range of abusive acts by Lawrence Hecker and his fellow priest Gilbert Gauthe in the early 1970s, according to legal documents summarizing the victim’s experience which were obtained by the Guardian.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.