New Orleans archdiocese plans on removing priest’s name from chapel as his Texas sexual abuse trial looms
Summary
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans plans to remove a priest’s name from a chapel he helped build, as he faces a criminal trial in Texas. The priest, Anthony Odiong, is charged with sexually abusing three women who relied on him for spiritual guidance.Key Facts
- Anthony Odiong raised $600,000 to build the Our Lady of Guadalupe Healing Chapel in Louisiana in 2020.
- Odiong’s name is currently engraved on the chapel but is set to be removed following a bankruptcy settlement.
- The settlement requires removal of public recognition of clergy accused of abuse from archdiocese properties.
- Odiong was arrested in July 2024 for allegedly exploiting the emotional dependency of three women and engaging in sexual conduct with them.
- The sexual abuse charges are considered felonies under Texas law.
- A trial is scheduled to begin on May 26, 2025, involving all three accusers together.
- Odiong has denied the charges and remains in custody with a $5.5 million bail.
- The investigation began after multiple women accused Odiong of sexual coercion and abuse during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.