Priest on trial for sexual assault in Texas had child with Louisiana congregant, prosecutors say

DNA testing proved Anthony Odiong fathered child with woman to whom he had been providing spiritual guidance, authorities say Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Texas prosecutors on Thursday established that a Roman Catholic priest being tried there on charges that he illegally exploited his status as a priest to pursue sex with three spiritually vulnerable congregants had a child with a separate congregant in approximately 2023 – while working outside New Orleans. That explosive development unfolded on the third day of Anthony Odiong’s trial at a state courthouse in Waco, Texas, where he worked before being transferred to Luling, Louisiana. Continue reading...

Ramon Antonio Vargas in Waco, Texas · Thu, May 28, 2026, 11:36 AM
US news | The Guardian

Priest on trial for sexual assault in Texas had child with Louisiana congregant, prosecutors say

DNA testing proved Anthony Odiong fathered child with woman to whom he had been providing spiritual guidance, authorities say

Texas prosecutors on Thursday established that a Roman Catholic priest being tried there on charges that he illegally exploited his status as a priest to pursue sex with three spiritually vulnerable congregants had a child with a separate congregant in approximately 2023 – while working outside New Orleans.

That explosive development unfolded on the third day of Anthony Odiong’s trial at a state courthouse in Waco, Texas, where he worked before being transferred to Luling, Louisiana.

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