Waco, TX – A McLennan County grand jury has issued a new four-count indictment against Father Anthony Odiong, 56, a former Catholic priest who served in Waco and West, Texas. This latest indictment, returned on Thursday, September 26, 2024, alleges sexual assault of a woman over multiple years from 2008 to 2011.
Multiple Indictments and Serious Charges Against Catholic Priest
This marks the second indictment for Odiong this month. On September 12, he was indicted on three counts of sexual assault involving two women. The new charges are classified as first-degree felonies, carrying a potential life sentence, due to the alleged victim being married and thus someone Odiong was legally prohibited from marrying.
Ongoing Investigation and Additional Sexual Misconduct Allegations Revealed
Odiong was initially arrested on July 16 in Florida on charges of possessing child pornography. Since his arrest, at least eight more women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault and manipulation by Odiong between 2007 and 2023.
Legal Proceedings and Priest Abuse Victim Statements
Odiong remains in McLennan County Jail under a $2.5 million bond. Attorneys Chris King and Robert Callahan are representing two of Odiong’s alleged victims and plan to file a civil lawsuit against Odiong and the Catholic Diocese of Austin.
One of King’s clients, a named victim in one of the indictments, stated: “Rather than helping me, he exploited my vulnerability and trust. He manipulated, coerced, threatened, and assaulted me and the Austin diocese did nothing to protect me, despite having received at least one previous report about his conduct.”
Concerns of Flight Risk of Former Texas Priest
Law enforcement has expressed concerns about Odiong’s potential flight risk if granted bail. According to arrest documents, Odiong has “access to immense amounts of money, contacts with money who follow him and provide heavily through financial means, and access to passports and multiple avenues to flee the country.”
The investigation into Odiong’s alleged crimes continues as authorities urge any additional victims to come forward.
Learn more about the previous charges filed against Father Odiong.
Father Anthony Odiong, Catholic Priest Indicted on Multiple Sexual Assault Charges in Waco, Texas
Legal Recourse for Clergy Abuse Victims
The recent indictments against Father Anthony Odiong have brought the issue of clergy abuse back into the public eye, raising questions about the legal options available to victims, particularly children. To address these concerns, we spoke with Anjali Nigam, a seasoned Texas attorney specializing in clergy abuse cases. In this interview, Nigam offers valuable information on the rights of child victims, the process of holding negligent churches accountable, and the importance of seeking legal counsel. Her insights provide a roadmap for families navigating the complex intersection of law, faith, and trauma in the aftermath of clergy abuse.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal rights do child victims of clergy abuse have in Texas?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: In Texas, child victims of clergy abuse have the right to file civil lawsuits against both the perpetrator and the church. These lawsuits can seek compensation for physical and emotional damages, as well as punitive damages in some cases. Additionally, Texas has extended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, allowing victims more time to come forward.
Banville: How can negligent churches be held accountable in these cases?
Nigam: Churches can be held liable if they knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action. This includes cases where the church ignored previous complaints, failed to properly screen or supervise clergy members, or actively covered up instances of abuse. We can file lawsuits against the church for negligence, negligent hiring, and failure to protect, among other claims.
Banville: What about incidents that occurred many years ago?
Nigam: Statutes of limitations have historically been a significant barrier for many clergy abuse survivors seeking justice, especially for abuse that happened decades ago. However, in recent years, many states have reformed their laws to expand opportunities for survivors.
It’s crucial for survivors to consult with an attorney promptly to understand the current laws in their state, as these statutes can be complex and vary significantly between jurisdictions. Even in cases where abuse occurred long ago, there may still be legal options available depending on the state’s laws.
Banville: What advice would you give to families considering legal action?
Nigam: I would urge families to speak with an experienced clergy abuse attorney as soon as possible. These cases can be complex, and it’s important to have someone who understands the nuances of both the legal system and the emotional trauma involved. Additionally, gathering evidence early on can be crucial to building a strong case. Remember, the legal process can be a powerful tool for healing and preventing future abuse.
Take the First Step Toward Healing and Justice Today
If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy abuse, it’s important to understand that you are not alone. There are legal avenues available to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. Our team is here to help you navigate this challenging journey. We encourage victims and their families to contact us for a free consultation, where we can discuss your situation and explore your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Your voice matters, and together we can work towards healing and justice.
Source:
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
