Neil Duhon, a survivor of clergy abuse, is urging authorities to take action against those who enabled his abuser, a notorious child rapist and retired Roman Catholic priest in New Orleans. Duhon's courage in speaking out not only led to the conviction of Lawrence Hecker but also highlights the need for a broader accountability for those who protect abusers within the church.

In an exclusive interview with WWL Louisiana and the Guardian, Duhon, now 65, revealed his identity publicly for the first time. His assailant, Hecker, had been a priest in the Archdiocese of New Orleans for decades, where he was able to continue working and abusing minors even after admitting to his crimes. "Everybody that had any part needs to be held accountable. Period period, Duhon emphasized, underscoring the institutional responsibility of the Catholic Church for the suffering caused by its clergy.

Reflecting on his own traumatic experience, Duhon recounted the events of 1975 when he was just 16 years old. He met Hecker while attending St. John Vianney High School, an institution that catered to boys aspiring to join the priesthood. Duhon had been assigned to assist at a local church, Little Flower, where he first encountered Hecker. This initial interaction would tragically evolve into a horrific attack during a summer pool party, where Hecker lured Duhon under the guise of providing wrestling tips.

In a chilling recollection, Duhon described how Hecker used wrestling to gain his trust before assaulting him. "Why you fighting, Neil? Hecker taunted as Duhon struggled in vain to escape. The moment escalated into a brutal rape that left Duhon unconscious and traumatized. The aftermath was marked by shame and confusion, compounded by a lack of support from those who should have provided it.

Following the assault, Duhon confided in his mother when laundry day arrived, revealing the horrific truth behind his missing gym clothes. While she appeared to be in shock, the conversation led to Duhon being pulled from Little Flower and placed on a newspaper delivery route with his father. As he returned to school, he exhibited a more combative demeanor, a reflection of unrecognized trauma.

The fallout from his experiences was compounded by a school environment that failed to address his abuse. Duhon recalled confrontations with faculty like Principal Paul Calamari, who responded to Duhon's disclosure of the rape not with support, but rather with anger and a demand to know who else had been informed. Instead of focusing on the trauma Duhon had suffered, the school forced him into therapy sessions aimed at managing his anger, leaving the real issue unaddressed.

After graduating, Duhon distanced himself from his past, burning memorabilia from St. John and discarding his class ring. He attempted to move on with his life, eventually serving in the military and working as a medic and police officer in Ohio. Yet, the specter of his abuse loomed large, resurfacing when the Archdiocese of New Orleans released a list of credibly accused clergy in 2018, which included Hecker.

In 2022, emboldened by a newfound determination for justice, Duhon reported Hecker to law enforcement. The path to accountability was arduous, highlighted by dismissive attitudes from investigators. However, as more evidence came to light including Heckers previous confessions of child molestation the case gained traction. Ultimately, in September 2023, Duhons pursuit of justice culminated in a grand jury indictment against Hecker for rape and kidnapping.

Tragically, Hecker's trial was marred by procedural delays and the recusal of Judge Benedict Willard, who was set to oversee the case. The final hearing saw Duhon confront Hecker, expressing the lasting impact of the abuse on his life. Duhon firmly stated he could never forgive Hecker, and only weeks later, Hecker passed away before serving his sentence.

While Heckers death provided a bittersweet sense of closure for Duhon, he remains adamant that the fight for accountability must continue. He is calling for an investigation into the Archdiocese, believing that many others, including Calamari, who enabled Hecker, must face the consequences of their actions. We need to hold the archdiocese accountable, Duhon stated resolutely. Their secrets cannot stay secret any longer.

Duhons bravery in coming forward has not only shed light on his personal ordeal but has also launched a wider dialogue about the systemic issues within the Catholic Church regarding clergy abuse. His story is one of resilience and a testament to the need for transparency and justice for all victims of abuse.