Catholic church had been alerted to Texas priest’s sexual predation for years – but dawdled before acting
Summary
Internal church documents show that Catholic leaders knew about multiple sexual misconduct complaints against a Texas priest, Anthony Odiong, but delayed taking action for years. Despite these complaints, the church extended his pastoral roles until he was finally removed shortly before being sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault in Texas.Key Facts
- Anthony Odiong was a Catholic priest who faced at least six accusations of sexual misconduct from women in different locations.
- Odiong served initially in Texas from 2006 to 2012 and later at a church near New Orleans from 2015 onward.
- Church officials in New Orleans extended his pastoral assignment multiple times despite complaints against him.
- In 2018, Texas diocese leaders informed New Orleans counterparts about previous complaints, but no immediate removal occurred.
- Odiong fathered a child with a woman he met through church work, even though priests promise celibacy.
- He was only removed after making anti-LGBTQ+ remarks from the pulpit, shortly before his arrest.
- In May 2024, a jury in Waco, Texas, found Odiong guilty of first- and second-degree sexual assault, sentencing him to life in prison.
- Church officials described Odiong as a person of good moral character during his ministry, despite the allegations.
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