A Catholic priest given a life sentence for sexual assault in Texas was found to have neglected his own daughter, born in 2023, according to prosecutors. Anthony Odiong, 58, was convicted of criminal clergy sexual assault in June and sentenced to life imprisonment. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the egregious nature of his crimes and his failure to provide even basic support for his child.
Details of the Sexual Assault Case
Odiong exploited his position as a clergyman to sexually assault two women, leading to his conviction in McLennan County. Prosecutors Ryan Calvert and Liz Buice detailed the case in the September-October issue of the Texas Prosecutor journal. The investigation revealed that Odiong had made a standard clerical promise of sexual celibacy but fathered a daughter in 2023 with a Louisiana parishioner.
Neglect of His Daughter
Even before his conviction, Odiong neglected his daughter and her mother. They were living without the support a biological father would normally provide. Perhaps most striking was the fact that the girl lacked a proper car seat. Police detectives Bradley DeLange and Zach Koenig, along with victim assistance coordinator Melissa Beseda, bought one with their own money. This small act of kindness highlighted the neglect by Odiong.
Financial Exploitation and Jail Spending
Evidence showed that Odiong spent more than $20,000 on telephone calls while in jail over roughly two years. This lavish spending on himself contrasts sharply with his failure to support his daughter. Prosecutors argued that Odiong's behavior demonstrated a complete disregard for his responsibilities as a father and a priest.
Comparison of Odiong's Spending vs. Support for Daughter
| Expense Category | Amount Spent |
|---|---|
| Jail telephone calls | $20,000+ |
| Child support provided | $0 |
| Car seat for daughter | Purchased by police |
Key Takeaways
- Anthony Odiong was sentenced to life imprisonment for clergy sexual assault in Texas.
- He fathered a daughter in 2023 despite his vow of celibacy.
- He neglected his daughter, who lacked a proper car seat until police intervened.
- Odiong spent over $20,000 on jail phone calls while providing no support to his child.
FAQ
What was Anthony Odiong convicted of?
He was convicted of criminal clergy sexual assault in Texas and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Did Odiong have a daughter?
Yes, he fathered a daughter in 2023 with a Louisiana parishioner, despite his vow of celibacy.
How did Odiong neglect his daughter?
He provided no financial support, and his daughter lacked a proper car seat until police detectives bought one for her.