In a shocking revelation during a bail hearing, it has come to light that Anthony Odiong, a 55-year-old Roman Catholic priest with ties to Texas and Louisiana, allegedly fathered at least two children with women he is accused of sexually assaulting. This disturbing information emerged as prosecutors presented their case against Odiong, who faces multiple charges of sexual misconduct.
The hearing took place on November 26, 2024, in Waco, Texas, where Odiong is being held on a staggering $5.5 million bail. He had requested a reduction of this bail, but the judge denied the request after prosecutors outlined evidence suggesting Odiong had plans to flee to Nigeria if released. The accounts presented during the hearing painted a picture of a man who had manipulated his position within the church to exploit vulnerable women.
Odiong’s status as a father is problematic from a moral and legal standpoint, as Catholic clergy are required to maintain celibacy. Authorities view the existence of these children as evidence of a troubling pattern of behavior in which Odiong targeted women he met through his ministerial duties, an act that constitutes a felony in Texas.
During the hearing, DNA evidence was introduced, showing a greater than 99.99% probability that Odiong is the biological father of children born to at least one alleged victim. Waco police detective Bradley DeLange, who has been investigating Odiong for several months, testified that the priest and one of the victims had shared a pregnancy scare in June, further substantiating the claims against him. Additionally, there is a second child, believed to be living in Nigeria, also fathered by Odiong.
Odiong faces a total of five first-degree sexual assault charges and two second-degree charges related to three different women. Detective DeLange confirmed that he had identified nine victims of Odiong’s alleged misconduct both in the United States and abroad, with two more victims identified shortly before the hearing. Notably, none of the women at the center of the current charges are the mothers of his children.
The prosecution argued that the existence of these children is relevant to the case because at least one child was born during the time that Odiong is accused of committing the alleged crimes. If convicted on any of the first-degree charges, he could face life imprisonment.
The hearing also delved into Odiong’s potential to escape to Nigeria. DeLange testified that Odiong was in the process of constructing a luxurious home in Nigeria, which he could retreat to if released. Prosecutors revealed that Odiong has significant financial resources, likely aided by donations from congregants who still believe in his innocence. The nature of these donations is currently under investigation as part of a broader inquiry into potential financial crimes.
Despite the serious allegations, some of Odiong’s supporters attended the hearing, expressing their unwavering loyalty. One congregant, Rose Ann Vanek, testified that she would be willing to contribute up to $25,000 to help secure his release. She expressed her affection for the priest, stating, “He is a dear friend of myself and my family.” However, the detective described Odiong’s fundraising efforts as an “abuse of faith,” noting that while contributions were voluntary, the circumstances surrounding them were highly manipulative.
During monitored calls from jail, Odiong allegedly discussed plans to escape to Nigeria, and he shared his belief that an apocalyptic event would soon occur in Africa, which he intended to advise Donald Trump on.
Odiong is a naturalized U.S. citizen who has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. His attorney argued that he could not flee the country since his Nigerian passport had expired. However, Judge Thomas West rejected this argument, maintaining the bail amount at $5.5 million.
This case has its roots in previous allegations against Odiong, which include sexual coercion, unwanted touching, and financial exploitation of women who sought his spiritual guidance. A Guardian report from February prompted one woman to come forward with allegations of assault dating back to 2012, leading to a police investigation that uncovered further accusations against him.
Detectives discovered that Odiong often positioned himself as a spiritual advisor to women dealing with personal issues, particularly marital problems, and then exploited those relationships for sexual gain. Evidence suggests that he engaged in sexual intercourse with at least one of the women he is charged with assaulting and coerced another into discussing intimate details about her sexual life with her husband.
In addition, investigators found digital evidence of child abuse imagery in Odiong’s possession, although formal charges related to those findings have not yet been pursued. Texas law permitted authorities to charge Odiong despite the time elapsed since some of the alleged crimes due to the number of accusers involved.
Odiong was arrested on July 16 at a residence in Ave Maria, Florida, and has been unable to make bail since his detention.
Ordained in 1993 in Nigeria’s Diocese of Uyo, Odiong transferred to Texas in 2006, where he built a following by claiming to perform miraculous healings. Despite complaints regarding his behavior with women, he was allowed to continue his ministry until allegations of misconduct with multiple women prompted his removal from St. Anthony of Padua Church in Louisiana in late 2023.
Church officials have stated that they informed Odiong of the complaints against him and restricted his ministerial activities, but these notifications did not initially reach his congregants. The New Orleans Archdiocese faced criticism for its handling of the allegations, especially after claiming they had no similar complaints against him, only to later remove him from ministry due to multiple reports of misconduct.
As the legal proceedings continue, the fallout from Odiong’s actions has raised broader questions about the Catholic Church’s handling of sexual abuse allegations and the protection of victims. The investigations into Odiong’s conduct are ongoing, with authorities scrutinizing the potential for larger systemic issues within the church.
