A shocking story has come to light about a Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, who is facing serious criminal charges in Texas. Prosecutors have accused him of abusing his role as a spiritual leader to prey on vulnerable women, fathering at least two children along the way. The accusations are devastating, not only because of the breach of trust involved but also because they reveal a hidden life that went on for decades.
In a recent bail hearing in Waco, Texas, prosecutors shared explosive details about Odiong’s actions, which include sexually assaulting women he was supposed to be guiding spiritually. The court also heard evidence that Odiong was planning to flee to Nigeria, his native country, if released on bail. Because of this, the judge refused to lower his current $5.5 million bail.
What makes this case even more unsettling is the DNA evidence presented in court. It showed there’s a 99.99% chance Odiong fathered at least one child through an assault on one of his victims. Another child, believed to be living in Nigeria, was also mentioned. Both children were born during Odiong’s career as a priest, which began in the 1990s and included time in Texas and Louisiana.
Detective Bradley DeLange, who has been investigating the case for months, testified that Odiong’s actions were not just isolated incidents. In fact, DeLange said he’s identified at least nine women in the U.S. and abroad who claim they were manipulated or abused by the priest. And just on the morning of the hearing, two more potential victims came forward.
The court also heard about Odiong’s troubling escape plans. Testimony revealed that he had been building a luxury home in Nigeria, funded by money from his followers, many of whom still believe in his innocence. Some of these congregants even offered to raise $25,000 to help him post bond. But investigators say Odiong told people during monitored jail calls that he planned to flee to Nigeria if he got out, leaving no doubt about his intentions.
Odiong’s influence over his followers is a big part of the story. He allegedly used their faith to manipulate them, claiming he had special healing powers. Prosecutors believe he exploited his spiritual authority to extract money and, in some cases, target vulnerable women for personal gain. Despite these allegations, some of his supporters remain fiercely loyal, showing up to court to vouch for him and even calling him “a dear friend.”
But not everyone in the courtroom was there to defend him. Many were seeking justice, including the accusers’ attorney, who praised the judge’s decision to keep the bail high, calling it “an important step toward justice.”
Odiong’s case is complicated by the Catholic Church’s handling of previous allegations against him. In 2019, church officials in Austin, Texas, received complaints about his behavior with adult women. Instead of making these allegations public, they quietly restricted his priestly duties and passed the information to church leaders in New Orleans, where Odiong had been working. Despite these warnings, Odiong continued his ministry until late 2023, when he was finally removed after more accusations surfaced.
Even then, Odiong tried to deflect blame, telling his parishioners that he was being punished for opposing the church’s efforts to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals. Meanwhile, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting Odiong had instructed someone to empty his bank accounts and ship his belongings to Nigeria, further fueling concerns about his plans to flee.
Odiong’s legal troubles are far from over. Alongside the sexual assault charges, authorities are also looking into financial crimes tied to how he accumulated wealth from his followers. Some reports suggest he raised large sums by convincing congregants that he could perform miracles and heal them.
This case has also brought renewed attention to the Catholic Church’s handling of clergy misconduct. Officials in Austin and New Orleans are now under scrutiny for how they responded to complaints about Odiong. The church’s response to similar allegations in the past—including accusations of a child sex-trafficking ring in Louisiana—has already sparked ongoing investigations.
If convicted on any of the first-degree charges, Odiong could face life in prison. For now, he remains behind bars, awaiting his day in court, while his victims hope this marks the beginning of justice being served.
