In a stunning revelation, prosecutors alleged that a Roman Catholic priest facing criminal charges for sexually assaulting vulnerable women fathered at least two children with his victims. The disturbing information about 55-year-old Anthony Odiong surfaced during a bail hearing in Waco, Texas, where he is being held on a staggering $5.5 million bond.
Pattern of Abuse Exposed
According to authorities, DNA evidence presented at the hearing concluded there was a 99.99% chance that Odiong fathered a child with one of his known sexual assault survivors in the United States. Waco police detective Bradley DeLange testified that the priest and the alleged victim, who gave birth to one of his children, had engaged in sexual intercourse as recently as June 2024, sharing a “pregnancy scare.”
Prosecutors also made reference to a second minor child believed to be living in Nigeria, born during Odiong’s tenure as a priest that began in the 1990s. The clergyman served lengthy stretches under Catholic church officials in Austin, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Multiple Victims Come Forward
Odiong faces five counts of first-degree sexual assault and two second-degree charges related to three separate women. However, Detective DeLange confirmed that nine alleged victims have been identified across the U.S. and abroad, with two more coming forward as recently as the morning of the bail hearing. If convicted, the priest could face life in prison.
He is a dear friend of myself and my family. We love father.
Rose Ann Vanek, a supporter of Odiong
Plans to Flee and Apocalyptic Predictions
Investigators unveiled evidence suggesting that Odiong was constructing a luxurious home in his native Nigeria to which he planned to flee if granted bail. DeLange also testified that the priest sees himself as above the Catholic hierarchy and has raised substantial funds from congregants through claims of healing and spiritual guidance.
Monitored calls from jail revealed Odiong instructing followers to assist his planned escape to Nigeria. The detective added that the priest’s non-Catholic religious beliefs predict an imminent apocalyptic “coming of the apostles” in Africa, and that Odiong intends to advise former U.S. President Donald Trump on the matter.
Church’s Handling of Allegations Questioned
The case has raised serious questions about how the Catholic Church handled prior complaints against Odiong. Officials within the Diocese of Austin claimed they notified the priest in 2019 about “complaints regarding his behavior with adult women” but opted to keep the allegations secret from congregants at the time.
Despite the Archdiocese of New Orleans being informed of the accusations, their legal counsel issued a letter as late as November 2023 denying knowledge of similar allegations against Odiong. It wasn’t until a month later that the archdiocese abruptly removed him from ministry.
Unresolved Bankruptcy and Abuse Investigations
One of Odiong’s accusers is seeking damages from church officials as part of an unresolved bankruptcy protection case the Archdiocese of New Orleans opened in 2020. The bankruptcy proceedings have triggered an ongoing state police investigation into allegations that the church ran a child sex-trafficking ring and covered up widespread abuse of minors dating back decades.
As the case against Anthony Odiong unfolds, it serves as a disturbing reminder of the lasting trauma inflicted by clergy who exploit their positions of trust and authority. The allegations of sexual assault and secret children fathered with victims raise profound concerns about the Catholic Church’s handling of abuse complaints and the measures needed to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior within religious institutions.
