![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 "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says there is a “very high probability” captain Cesar Azpilicueta will stay at the club – but admits their “hands are tied” over Antonio Rudiger’s future.
BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague said Barcelona had been in talks with Azpilicueta.
They reportedly met with Rudiger’s agents earlier this week.
However, Azpilicueta has triggered a one-year extension in his contract.
“It’s a good thing,” said Tuchel. “It’s good news for us.”
Spain defender Azpilicueta was out of contract at the end of the season and Barcelona were hopeful of signing the 32-year-old.
However, due to the number of appearances he has made for Chelsea this season, the pre-existing clause in his contract has been triggered.
When asked about the contract extension, Tuchel said: “I knew it was going to happen because I knew the amount of games when it was going to happen.
“We have a contract, he’s our captain, so there’s a very high probability that he will stay.”
Germany international Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season but Tuchel said he was “still confident” the defender would stay at the club.
“I would try to meet him if I were any other club,” Tuchel added.
“He’s our player and I still think we have a good chance he stays our player once things are solved for us.
“Our hands are tied, we cannot offer him or negotiate or renegotiate with his agents. But I’m still confident.”
Chelsea are unable to offer new deals to players because of sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Tuchel praised the British government’s decision to allow supporters to buy tickets to away games.
“Everybody has to step up tomorrow and has a responsibility to create a good atmosphere,” he added.
“We need our spectators behind us, so if we are a little bit less, they have to compensate for those missing.”
Third-placed Chelsea host Brentford on Saturday from 15:00 BST.
