Disgraced ex-Catholic priest shares child with victim in sexual assault case: detective

On November 27, 2024By Pranco

WACO, TX (KWTX) – A former Central Texas Catholic priest charged in several sexual assault cases was denied a $5.5 million bond reduction the same day the court learned he shares a child with one of his accusers.

Father Anthony Odiong was charged in September on three counts of sexual assault in two separate indictments alleging he sexually assaulted two women.

In addition to the revelation of the child Odiong shares with one of the victims, the court also learned many more details about Odiong from Detective Bradley DeLang, who discovered more than 700,000 emails containing conversations between Odiong and parishioners. The detective also obtained text messages, lab results and much more evidence.

DeLang said nine victims have come forward.

He claims Odiong has a child with one of the victims in the United States. Investigators were able to conduct DNA tests that would prove that the ex-priest is the father and that the child’s mother is one of the victims.

DeLang said he was also able to find evidence of child pornography on the former priest’s iCloud.

The detective said he also discovered that parishioners gave $50,000 directly to Odiong, and not to the church, with the money going to a house Odiong was building in Nigeria. The court has been able to inspect plans for this project.

The prosecutor said Odiong used his power and influence to manipulate parishioners.

DeLang said he saw text messages from Odiong saying that since he gives people the Holy Spirit during a crisis, they will follow him and give him what he wants.

Defense witnesses, however, testified that father Odiong was “sent by God.”

The witnesses explained how Odiong was there for them in times of need, including when a woman’s son was killed in the fertilizer factory explosion in the West. He would also attend birthday and holiday parties at their home and a witness said he would contribute $25,000 toward the bond.

Witnesses said they do not believe the allegations against Odiong and are confident he would return to court if released on bail.

The court has not yet set a date for the trial.