On Sept. 24, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Benedict Willard recused himself from the case, citing “disrespect” and the state’s actions. Prosecutors said a judge recusing himself the morning of the trial is “vindictive.”

The trial of Lawrence Hecker, a former New Orleans priest accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy nearly 50 years ago, is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Benedict Willard recused himself Tuesday from the rape, kidnapping, and sex crimes case against former New Orleans priest Lawrence Hecker. Hecker’s trial was set to begin Tuesday.

Lawrence Hecker is expected to be in the courtroom today with lawyers beginning the jury selection process in about three hours.