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Waco, TX - St. Peter Catholic Student Center Priest, Father Anthony Odiong Accused of Sexually Assaulting Eight Women

Waco, TX - St. Peter Catholic Student Center Priest, Father Anthony Odiong Accused of Sexually Assaulting Eight Women
Published: September 19, 2024
By: Darla Medina
Last Updated on September 19, 2024

Texas Catholic Priest Indicted on Multiple Sexual Assault Charges

A Catholic priest in Texas, Father Anthony Odiong, has been indicted on felony sexual assault charges following allegations from several victims of both sexual and financial abuse. He served at St. Peter Catholic Student Center located at 1415 S 9th St, Waco, TX 76706. The indictment, issued by a grand jury in McLennan County, includes two counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of first-degree sexual assault, according to The New York Times. 

Priest's Arrest Linked to Child Pornography Investigation

Father Odiong was arrested in July 2024 while in Ave Maria, Florida, amidst an investigation into sexual assault claims. Authorities discovered he was in possession of child pornography during their inquiry, although he has not yet been indicted on that charge. According to Detective Bradley DeLange, further legal action regarding the child pornography could still occur.

Long-Term Investigation Reveals Multiple Victims

The investigation into Father Odiong's actions began after police received credible information regarding a sexual assault that allegedly took place in 2012. As the probe unfolded, authorities identified at least eight women with similar allegations, detailing experiences of groping, sexual assault, and financial exploitation. Notably, one victim sought Father Odiong’s counsel regarding her marriage issues, which is significant under Texas law regarding clergy and emotional dependency.

Background and Current Status of Catholic Priest Accused of Sexual Abuse

Father Odiong served at St. Peter Catholic Student Center in Waco and St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in West from 2007 to 2012, and later in Luling, Louisiana, until 2023. He is currently being held in McLennan County Jail on a bond set at $2.5 million. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for the second-degree charges and potentially life imprisonment for the first-degree charge.

Response from Church Officials After Priest Arrested for Sexual Assault

Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who oversaw the Diocese of Austin during Father Odiong's earlier tenure, and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, the current leader, have stated their commitment to cooperating with law enforcement. The Archdiocese of New Orleans, where Father Odiong served recently, confirmed that they acted promptly upon learning of the allegations, reporting him to law enforcement and removing him from ministry.

In a prior Facebook post, Father Odiong denied the allegations, labeling them as a “false, salacious and one-sided smear campaign.” His legal representation has not yet commented on the recent indictment.

Anjali Nigam
Hello, I’m attorney Anjali Nigam. If you or a loved one is a survivor of a similar accident, I’d be happy to discuss your legal options. Call for a free consultation, it would be my honor to help you.
(888) 997-3792

Understanding Priest Abuse Victims' Rights

Following the arrest of the Catholic priest accused of sexual abuse, we spoke with Anjali Nigam, an experienced lawyer specializing in sexual abuse cases. She shared her knowledge of the legal rights available for victims of clergy abuse, the responsibilities of institutions, and the steps individuals can take to hold negligent parties accountable. This conversation aims to provide clarity and support for those navigating these challenging circumstances.

Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us, Anjali. Can you explain what legal rights victims of sexual abuse by a priest or other member of the clergy have?

Attorney Anjali Nigam: Absolutely, Darla. Victims have the right to report the abuse to law enforcement and pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator. Additionally, they can file civil lawsuits against the abuser and potentially the church or institution for negligence.

Medina: What does negligence look like in these cases?

Nigam: Negligence often involves a failure to protect vulnerable individuals. If a church knew about previous allegations and didn’t take appropriate action, they could be held liable for enabling the abuse.

Medina: What steps should victims take if they decide to come forward?

Nigam: The first step is to seek legal counsel. An experienced attorney can guide them through the reporting process and help navigate any civil claims. It's also vital for victims to prioritize their mental health and seek support.

Medina: Thank you, Anjali. Your expertise is invaluable for those affected by these serious issues.

Support for Victims and Their Families

If you or a loved one has experienced abuse, know that you are not alone. We encourage victims and their families to reach out for support. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and begin the path toward healing and accountability. Your voice matters, and we are here to help.

Sources:

The New York Times

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About the Author
Darla Medina
About Darla Medina
Editor: Darla is a content writer with a focus on the legal field. She covers cases of sexual abuse, drunk driving, and preventable violent crime for the Legal Herald. Contact Darla: darla@eaglepeakmarketing.com This article was fact checked prior to publishing by this author to ensure compliance with our rigorous editorial standards. We will only use authoritative sources. Our values compel us to provide only trustworthy information. If you find an error, please contact us.
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