WACO (TX)
KWTX-10 [Waco, TX]
November 26, 2024
By Jasmine Lotts
Bond reduction denied for ex-Central Texas Catholic priest indicted in sexual assault cases
A former Central Texas Catholic priest indicted in several sexual assault cases was denied a reduction of his $5.5 million bond on the same day the court learned he shares a child with one of his accusers.
Father Anthony Odiong was indicted in September on three counts of sexual assault in two separate indictments alleging he sexually assaulted two women.
In addition to the revelation of the child Odiong shares with one of the victims, the court also learned a lot more details about Odiong from detective Bradley DeLang, who uncovered more than 700,000 emails of conversations between Odiong and parishioners. The detective also obtained text messages, lab results and much more evidence.
DeLang said nine victims have come forward.
He alleges Odiong has a child with one of the victims in the United States. Investigators were able to conduct DNA testing that allegedly confirmed the ex-priest is the father, and the mother of the child is one of the victims.
DeLang said he was also able to find evidence of child pornography on the former priest’s iCloud.
The detective said he also discovered parishioners gave $50,000 directly to Odiong, and not the church, with the funds going towards a home Odiong was building in Nigeria. The court was able to see plans from this project.
The prosecution said Odiong used his power and influence to manipulate parishioners.
DeLang said he saw text messages of Odiong saying since he gives people the holy spirit during a crisis, they’ll follow him and give him whatever he wants.
Witnesses for the defense, however, testified that father Odiong is “God sent.”
The witnesses explained how Odiong has been there for them during their time of need, including when one woman’s son was killed in the West fertilizer plant explosion. He would also attend birthday and holiday parties in their home and one witness said he would contribute $25,000 towards bond.
Witnesses testified they do not believe the allegations against Odiong and trust he would return to court dates if he was released on bond.
The court has not set a trial date yet.