Texas Grand Jury Indicts Catholic Priest on Multiple Sexual Assault Charges
In a significant development in the ongoing saga of sexual abuse allegations within the Catholic Church, a grand jury in Texas has handed down multiple felony sexual assault charges against Anthony Odiong, a Roman Catholic priest. This indictment marks a troubling chapter in a case that has drawn attention not only for its serious nature but also for the broader implications it has for the Church and its handling of allegations against clergy members.
The Charges Against Anthony Odiong
Anthony Odiong, 55, now faces a total of seven charges related to sexual assault, including five counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault. These charges stem from incidents involving three separate women, with the most recent indictment being issued on Thursday in the McLennan County courthouse. This new indictment adds one additional victim and four more first-degree charges to the previous allegations, which had already included one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault against two women.
If convicted on any of the first-degree charges, Odiong could face life imprisonment. The second-degree charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Texas is one of the few states that criminalizes sexual activity between clergy and adults who are emotionally dependent on their spiritual guidance, making these charges particularly severe.
Background of the Case
Odiong was first arrested in July following a police investigation led by Detective Bradley DeLange in Waco. This investigation was prompted by a report published by The Guardian detailing prior allegations against Odiong, which included sexual coercion, unwelcome touching, and financial abuse. The report encouraged at least one woman to come forward, alleging that Odiong had sexually assaulted her in 2012.
Detective DeLange’s investigation revealed a disturbing pattern: Odiong allegedly positioned himself as a spiritual advisor to women facing personal challenges, only to exploit that trust for sexual gain. In one instance, he is accused of having sexual intercourse with one of the victims and pressuring another into engaging in sexual acts that contradicted her faith-based beliefs.
Additional Allegations and Evidence
The investigation into Odiong has uncovered more than just the sexual assault charges. Detectives reportedly found digital child abuse imagery in his possession, although these allegations have not yet resulted in formal charges. This aspect of the case raises further questions about Odiong’s conduct and the potential for additional victims.
More than eight women have come forward with similar allegations against Odiong, although not all have led to criminal charges. Texas law allows for the removal of statutes of limitations in certain cases, which has enabled some of these women to pursue justice despite the passage of time.
Odiong’s Background and Church Involvement
Anthony Odiong was ordained in the diocese of Uyo, Nigeria, in 1993. He was invited to work in Texas by Bishop Gregory Aymond in 2006 and later gained permission to serve in the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2015. Throughout his tenure, Odiong was reportedly involved in ministry until December of the previous year, despite numerous complaints lodged against him by victims to church authorities in both New Orleans and Austin.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans has stated that Odiong’s assignment there was at the request of his superiors in Nigeria. However, the church’s handling of these allegations has come under scrutiny, particularly in light of the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings related to clergy abuse litigation.
Broader Implications for the Catholic Church
The revelations surrounding Odiong’s case are part of a larger narrative concerning the Catholic Church’s response to sexual abuse allegations. The New Orleans archdiocese, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020, is currently facing investigations into whether it covered up widespread abuse, including potential child sex trafficking. These investigations have raised serious questions about accountability within the Church and its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory clergy.
As the legal proceedings against Odiong unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of clergy abuse and the systemic issues that allow such abuses to persist. The community and the Church at large are left grappling with the implications of these allegations, as more victims come forward seeking justice and accountability.