Hours after a jury in Waco, Texas, convicted former Roman Catholic priest Anthony Odiong of criminal sexual assault on Friday, his physical legacy in Luling, Louisiana, was systematically dismantled. Black tape now obscures the name of the 57-year-old on the exterior of the Our Lady of Guadalupe healing chapel, a structure he helped build in 2020 while serving as pastor at the adjacent St Anthony of Padua church.
The erasure of his name from the marble pedestal and inscriptions stands in stark contrast to the names of two of his accusers, which remain visible among lists of benefactors outside the chapel. Odiong, who raised approximately $600,000 for the project, now faces a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment following the guilty verdict.
A Pattern of Exploitation
The four-day trial detailed a pattern of behavior in which Odiong allegedly exploited his spiritual authority to pursue devout female parishioners. Testimony revealed that Odiong had been banned from ministry in and around Waco by church officials as early as 2019 due to misconduct allegations. Despite reports that these officials had privately alerted their counterparts in the New Orleans archdiocese, Odiong remained at St Anthony of Padua for several more years.
The criminal charges were brought after multiple women came forward, including those identified in court as Mary Doe and Jane Doe. Mary Doe described a years-long sexual relationship that began in 2008 under the guise of spiritual direction, while Jane Doe alleged that Odiong coerced her into sexual acts under the pretense of saving her failing marriage. Another witness, Lisa Smith, testified that Odiong initiated unwanted physical contact while she was mourning her father.
The Road to Sentencing
Following the jury’s two-hour deliberation, the sentencing phase is scheduled to begin three days after the verdict. Because the total number of accusers met the legal threshold under Texas law, the prosecution was able to successfully move forward with charges despite the age of some of the reported incidents.
As the legal process concludes, the archdiocese of New Orleans—which suspended Odiong in late 2023—faces the aftermath of having hosted a clergyman who was previously flagged for misconduct. Observers expect the upcoming sentencing phase to provide further clarity on the final legal consequences for the former priest, while the community in Luling continues to grapple with the reality of his actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Anthony Odiong convicted of?
Odiong was convicted of criminal clergy sexual assault in Texas following a four-day trial involving allegations from multiple women he had counseled as a priest.
Why were Odiong’s name and quotes removed from the Luling chapel?
Local church officials began planning the removal of his name as his trial loomed. By Friday evening, his name and attributed quotes on the chapel grounds had been covered with black tape.
How did authorities link Odiong to his victims?
Investigators used testimonies, DNA samples, and records of spiritual direction to establish a pattern of behavior. In one instance, authorities presented a photograph of Odiong with a child he fathered with a parishioner, taken inside a church during a baptism.
How should religious institutions balance the need for transparency with the preservation of their physical spaces?
