WACO (TX)
KTEN [Denison, TX]
July 19, 2024
Two charges of sexual assault have been filed against Anthony Odiong, with eight survivors identified thus far, according to the Waco Police Department.
The Waco Police Department is actively searching for additional survivors who may have been victimized by Odiong. Additional charges are pending. “Respect for your experience is our highest priority. You will not be required to go to court if you don’t prefer, nor will your name be made public,” stated the department.
In March of this year, credible information was reported to the Waco Police Department regarding a sexual assault that occurred in 2012. The individual who allegedly committed this sexual assault is a Catholic priest by the name of Fr. Anthony Odiong. During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered, which led to the arrest of Anthony Odiong on July 16, 2024, in Ave Maria, Florida, by the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. He is currently in the Collier County Jail awaiting extradition. This arrest was also made possible by work from the U.S. Marshals Service.
During the sexual assault investigation, the presence of other survivors was revealed. Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation. Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognized as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.
“We believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who has had similar encounters with Anthony Odiong within McLennan County, Texas, and all areas of the United States,” stated the Waco Police Department. Anthony Odiong served as a Catholic priest at St. Peter’s Catholic Student Center in Waco, Texas, as well as St. Mary’s of the Assumption in West, Texas, from 2007 to 2012. He also served in Luling, Louisiana, from around 2015 to 2023.
To those who have come forward, the department applauded their courage amidst having to relive their unspeakable experience. “To the additional survivors, we are committed to the pursuit of justice and want you to know that you can come forward without the risk of being publicly identified,” stated the department. Detective Bradley DeLange can be reached at 254-750-7609 to ensure confidentiality.
“If you have been victimized by Anthony Odiong anywhere in the United States, we need to hear from you. You are not alone, and you do not have to continue to live with the trauma of this experience alone,” stated the Waco Police Department.