Catholic priest accused of sexual misconduct charged over child abuse images

Anthony Odiong, prohibited from ministering in Texas and Louisiana amid criminal investigation, arrested in Florida

A Catholic priest under criminal investigation for sexual misconduct with multiple women - and consequently prohibited from ministering in two states - has been charged with illegally possessing child abuse imagery depicting girls.

Anthony Odiong was arrested Tuesday as he was leaving his home in Ave Maria, Florida, on a warrant obtained by police in Waco, Texas, charging him with possessing digital images of exposed genitalia and a nude breast. According to sworn statements in support of the arrest warrant that were obtained by the Guardian, police said they discovered the illicit pictures while investigating complaints from at least four women that made officers aware Odiong, 55, could be a potential serial sexual assault suspect".