Fr. Gerald R. Hechenberger
Ordained: 1996
- 1997: St. Joseph, Olney, IL (BEL)
- 1998-1999: St. Edward, Fairfield, IL (BEL)
- 2000-2006: Holy Family, Cahokia, IL (BEL); Sacred Heart of Jesus, Dupo, IL (BEL)
- 2007: Unknown
- 2008-2012: St. John the Baptist, Smithton, IL (BEL)
- 2012-2014: Leave of Absence (BEL)
- 2015-2017: Holy Childhood of Jesus, Mascoutah, IL (BEL); St. Liborius, St. Libory, IL (BEL)
- 2018: Leave of Absence (BEL)
- 2019: Uknown
Fr. Gerald R. Hechenberger was arrested in January 2018 for possession and dissemination of child pornography. In 2011, Fr. Hechenberger, took a leave of absence to work on issues that Vicar General John McEvilly described in a letter as “very serious personal, pastoral and legal challenges.” In 2004, Fr. Hechenberger, was arrested for trespassing at a truck stop in Madison. According to the police report, he was walking between trucks “holding his pants in his hand and had no shirt on”. In 2018, Fr. Hechenberger was included on the Diocese of Belleville’s list of “Clergy who are Currently Removed from Ministry after Credibly Substantiated Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors, or Serious Sexual Misconduct with Adults.” Fr. Henchenberger is believed to be residing in Mascoutah, IL as of 2014. Fr. Hechenberger’s current whereabouts, status as a priest, and whether he has access to children are unknown.