Faith Nyasuguta
A Roman Catholic priest with connections to Texas and Louisiana is facing criminal charges for allegedly exploiting his position within the church to sexually assault vulnerable women and fathering at least two children with them.
The allegations against Father Anthony Odiong came to light during a bail hearing in Waco, Texas, where prosecutors revealed details of his alleged misconduct. Odiong, who faces several counts of sexual assault, sought a reduction of his $5.5 million bail but was denied after evidence suggested he planned to flee to his native Nigeria if released.
“DNA evidence revealed a 99.99% probability that Odiong fathered a child with one of his alleged victims,” a fact prosecutors emphasized as proof of a pattern of abuse. Another child, believed to live in Nigeria, was also reportedly born during his tenure in the priesthood.
Authorities argued that Odiong exploited his position as a spiritual leader to manipulate and prey on women, describing his actions as a gross abuse of power. Detective Bradley DeLange, who has been investigating Odiong, testified about the priest’s “systematic targeting of vulnerable women seeking guidance.” He detailed that Odiong allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual relationships with multiple victims while presenting himself as a trusted cleric.
The timeline of events, including a pregnancy scare as recently as June, aligns with allegations of Odiong’s misconduct. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that he had nine confirmed victims in the U.S. and abroad, with two more identified recently. They also revealed that Odiong “used his spiritual role to coerce women into sexual acts, taking advantage of their faith and trust.”
Odiong’s case took a darker turn when investigators found explicit materials in his possession, though no formal charges have been filed regarding these discoveries. Instead, authorities have chosen to focus on the sexual assault allegations, which could result in life imprisonment if he is convicted.
Despite the severity of the charges, a courtroom packed with Odiong’s followers demonstrated the conflicting opinions surrounding the case. Some testified to his innocence, offering to contribute financially to his defense. “He is a dear friend of myself and my family,” said one supporter, pledging up to $25,000 to secure his release. Others, however, expressed outrage at his alleged actions.
The court also heard disturbing evidence about Odiong’s plans to flee to Nigeria if released. “He is building a luxurious home in Nigeria,” DeLange testified, adding that Odiong’s financial resources—partly raised from his loyal followers—could aid his escape. The detective further described Odiong’s teachings as blending Catholic and non-Catholic beliefs, including apocalyptic predictions tied to Africa.
DeLange testified that Odiong instructed followers during monitored jail calls to transfer his belongings and empty his bank accounts in preparation for a possible escape. These revelations bolstered the court’s decision to deny his bail reduction, with Judge Thomas West ruling that the risk of flight was too significant.
Odiong’s alleged crimes date back years, with some incidents resurfacing following investigative reports by news outlets earlier this year. These reports prompted one victim to come forward, leading to a broader investigation.
According to sworn police statements, Odiong “targeted women navigating personal struggles, presenting himself as a spiritual advisor, only to exploit their vulnerabilities for his own gratification.” In one instance, he allegedly coerced a victim into acts that violated her moral and religious beliefs.
Odiong’s career path adds another layer to the controversy. He was ordained in Nigeria in 1993 before transferring to the Austin Diocese in 2006. He later joined the New Orleans Archdiocese, where he gained a large following for hosting healing masses that some claimed led to miraculous recoveries.
However, allegations about Odiong’s behavior began to surface as early as 2019. Despite complaints from women about inappropriate conduct, church officials initially chose to keep these allegations private. They barred Odiong from ministering in Austin but allowed him to continue his work in New Orleans, where his alleged misconduct persisted.
“The church’s failure to act decisively earlier allowed Odiong’s abuse to continue unchecked,” critics argue. The New Orleans Archdiocese eventually removed him from ministry in December 2023, citing multiple allegations of misconduct. Yet, some claim the church was slow to act and lacked transparency, leaving victims vulnerable.
Odiong’s removal from ministry coincided with his efforts to shift blame, as he falsely claimed his dismissal was due to opposition to Pope Francis’s progressive efforts to embrace the LGBTQ+ community. These tactics, combined with his charismatic influence over congregants, illustrate a pattern of manipulation, prosecutors allege.
The case has reignited debates about accountability within the church and the broader issue of clergy abuse. Some accusers have filed legal claims against the New Orleans Archdiocese as part of its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, which stem from years of abuse scandals.
Revelations from the bankruptcy filings triggered a Louisiana state police investigation into whether the church engaged in a child sex-trafficking ring, with alleged abuse dating back decades. This investigation remains ongoing, further underscoring the systemic failures that allowed figures like Odiong to operate unchecked.
For the victims, the legal proceedings against Odiong represent a critical step toward justice. The denial of his bail sends “a powerful message that abuse of power and trust will not be tolerated,” as one attorney representing the accusers noted.
As the case continues, attention is turning to the role of the church in addressing- or failing to address- these allegations. For many, Odiong’s trial is not just about holding one individual accountable but also about demanding systemic reforms to protect vulnerable individuals from similar abuse in the future.
Odiong, now behind bars, faces a grim future. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. For his victims and their advocates, the hope is that his case will serve as a turning point, prompting both justice for the survivors and meaningful changes within the church.
This case is a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of safeguarding those who place their trust in institutions meant to guide and protect them.
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