AUSTIN (TX)
KXXV TV, ABC-25 [Waco TX]
July 16, 2024
By Art DeVitalis and Heidi March
A former McLennan County priest is accused of serial sexual assault and has been charged for having child pornography.
UPDATE (6 p.m.)
According to a statement from the Diocese of Austin, they are ready to fully cooperate with law enforcement regarding this case.
The Diocese of Austin says it remains committed to its Safe Environment Program, and is encouraging anyone with additional information regarding Odiong, to report it directly to the Waco Police Department.
According to officials, since Odiong’s conclusion of service in the Diocese of Austin in 2012, he has not had authorization to minister as a priest within the twenty-five county area comprising the Diocese of Austin, and his bishop recalled him back to the Diocese of Uyo in writing in March 2024.
“In 2019, the Diocese of Austin sent written communication to Fr. Odiong confirming that he did not have authorization to engage in priestly ministry in the Diocese of Austin, even on a temporary basis — this determination was based on complaints that the diocese had received regarding Fr. Odiong’s behavior with adult women, as well as his failure to follow the protocol for visiting clergy to present a testimonial of suitability for ministry from his Bishop.”
Upon receiving ongoing reports of Odiong’s presence and attempts to exercise priestly ministry in the Diocese of Austin, follow-up communication of the same nature was given at St. Peter and St. Mary, both in December 2023 and February 2024.
“We reiterate our sadness regarding this painful situation and continue to ask for God’s healing grace upon all involved.”
25 News will continue to provide updates and additional details regarding this story as they become available.
UPDATE (12:45 p.m.)
Waco law firm Callahan & King is taking legal action against against Anthony Odiong and the Catholic Diocese of Austin “on behalf of a survivor who has bravely stepped forward to seek justice for clergy sexual abuse”, the firm said in a statement.
“The lawsuit to be filed by Callahan & King details how Father Odiong used his position of trust and influence, as well as the sacrament of confession, to target, groom, and perpetrate a host of inappropriate sexual acts on women.”
The lawsuit also alleges that the abuse was facilitated by the Catholic Diocese of Austin, allowing Odiong to serve as a priest, counselor, and director of a university campus ministry — it also states that nothing was done to protect the community, despite being made aware of complaints made against Odiong.
Callahan & King says they are determined to bring the full force of their expertise and dedication to secure justice for their client.
According to the statement, Texas is among thirteen states where sex between members of the clergy and an adult they are spiritually guiding is a criminal act.
“As proponents of justice, we affirm our commitment to ensuring that no clergy abuse survivor’s voice goes unheard. It takes great courage to step forward and we extend an earnest invitation to any individual who may have been affected by the criminal conduct of Odiong, and by the Austin Diocese’s damaging response, to join us in our pursuit of justice. We stand ready to provide comprehensive legal representation and unwavering support to survivors – regardless of age, faith, gender, or orientation – throughout every step of their journey towards healing and resolution,” the law firm said in their statement.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Waco Police Department is searching for additional survivors who have been sexually assaulted by Anthony Odiong.
Officials say they received information about a sexual assault that occurred in 2012, allegedly committed by Odiong.
Odiong is a Catholic Priest who was arrested on Tuesday in Ave Maria, Florida following the discovery of child pornography in his possession.
He served as a Catholic priest at St. Peters Catholic Student Center in Waco, and St. Mary’s of the Assumption in West, Texas from 2007 to 2012 — he also served in Luling, Louisiana from 2015 to 2023.
During the investigation, other survivors were revealed, and multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences.
Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognized as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing Odiong’s manipulation.
Police believe there may be more survivors, and they want to speak with anyone within McLennan County, and all other areas of the U.S. who had similar encounters with Odiong.
Odiong made a post on Facebook on April 26, after allegations against him were made in March.
“To those who have come forward, we applaud your courage amidst having to relive your 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. You can speak to Detective Bradley DeLange directly, who will explain how we are committed to ensuring your confidentiality. Det. DeLange can be reached at 254 750-7609,” the Waco Police Department wrote.
Police say that victims aren’t required to go to court if they come forward, nor will they be identified.