Former priest arrested in Florida on sexual assault allegations: report
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A former Texas priest was arrested in Collier County for possession of child pornography, NBC affiliate WBBH reports.
WBBH said Father Anthony Odiong, 55, was reportedly arrested on July 16 by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Odiong, who is currently living in Immokalee, Florida, was also identified by the Waco Police Department as the suspect in “credible reports” of sexual assault that occurred in 2012.
Father Odiong served as a Catholic priest at St. Peter’s Catholic Student Center in Waco, Texas, and St. Mary’s of the Assumption in West Texas from 2007 to 2012.
Officers added Odiong also served in Luling, Louisiana, from 2015 to 2023.
WBBH reports that multiple women have come forward with similar experiences to the initial sexual assault report from 2012. The survivor’s experiences range from sexual assault to indecent assault and financial abuse.
“To those survivors who I’ve already spoken to, I applaud your courage amidst having to relive your unspeakable experience. To the women and survivors who may be watching this announcement. I want to speak to you now. We are committed to the pursuit of justice. And I want you to know that you can come forward without any risk of being publicly identified,” Waco Police Department detective Bradley Delay said.
If you are a survivor who had similar experiences with Odiong, Waco Police are asking you to call 254-750-7609.
Odiong is set to appear before a Collier County judge Wednesday before being transferred to Waco to face charges.
The investigation is ongoing.
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