![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-300x200.jpg "Is Anthony Odiong still a priest after life in prison sentence over rape?")
Marseille captain Dimitri Payet set up both goals as they beat Austria’s RB Salzburg 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at Stade Velodrome.
The Ligue 1 side have won eight of their nine games at home in this season’s competition.
Florian Thauvin headed their opener from ex-West Ham forward Payet’s free-kick and Cameroon winger Clinton Njie doubled the lead from a Payet pass.
Fredrik Gulbrandsen hit the post for the Austrian Bundesliga leaders.
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Marseille, who have now scored 34 times in this season’s competition, were worthy winners but Rudi Garcia’s side had some moments of good fortune.
Former Newcastle winger Thauvin appeared to head the ball on to his hand when converting Payet’s delivery for his 22nd goal of the campaign.
And Salzburg full-back Stefan Lainer looked to have a valid claim for a penalty turned down with the score at 1-0.
The Austrians had collected four points against Marseille in the group stage, including a goalless draw in France.
But they struggled to contain a Marseille team inspired by Payet for long periods. The 31-year-old has created 16 goals in 36 starts this term and helped to lay the platform for a dominant home performance.
Salzburg have already knocked Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund out of this year’s competition.
They must now repeat their quarter-final heroics – when they overcame a 4-2 first leg deficit against Lazio – if they are to reach their first European final since 1994, when they were defeated by Inter Milan in the Uefa Cup.
