Former Luling Priest Charged with Sexual Assault and Child Pornography Possession
Waco, TX – Former Luling priest, Rev. Anthony Odiong, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault following his arrest in Florida on charges of possessing child pornography, according to authorities.
The Waco Police Department announced late Thursday evening that a total of eight victims have been identified, and authorities are continuing their search for additional victims.
Anthony Odiong, 55, was arrested on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Ave Maria, Florida, on a fugitive warrant. He is wanted by the Waco Police Department on charges of possession of child pornography. His mugshot was released by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
In March 2023, an unidentified victim reported Odiong to Waco, Texas, police for an alleged sexual assault that took place in 2012. Following a detailed investigation, detectives were granted permission by a judge to search Odiong’s iCloud storage data. This search uncovered images depicting the sexual abuse of a child, leading to Odiong’s arrest on a Texas warrant in Ave Maria, Florida.
Odiong is currently booked in the Collier County Jail, awaiting extradition to Texas.
Authorities suspect there could be more victims within McLennan County, Texas, and other parts of the United States. Waco police have assured that survivors who come forward with information related to Odiong will not be required to go to court, nor will their identities be made public.
In December 2023, Odiong was removed by the Archdiocese of New Orleans from his position at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Luling, Louisiana, shortly after making anti-LGBTQ remarks during a November mass. At that time, officials stated that his abrupt removal did not involve the abuse of minors or church members. However, an unidentified woman who had known him since 2007 accused him of sexual and financial abuse. This claim was referred to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office by the archdiocese, with one encounter in 2019 appearing consensual according to the Sheriff’s Office.
In April 2024, Odiong denied these allegations in a Facebook post, calling them “false and defamatory” and accusing the woman of retaliation. He stated his intention to pursue all legal remedies to “clear his name” while continuing to serve his religious community.
Individuals who believe they may have been victimized by Odiong are encouraged to contact Detective Bradley DeLange at 254-750-7609.
Photo: Anthony Odiong’s mugshot, provided by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Contact: Detective Bradley DeLange, 254-750-7609.
