![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")
Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League as Everton came from behind to secure a first victory since October.
The Gunners, who had won their previous three games, were rewarded for an impressive start as Alexis Sanchez’s free-kick deflected in off Ashley Williams.
Everton equalised just before half-time when Seamus Coleman glanced home Leighton Baines’ excellent cross.
The Toffees, encouraged by a vocal crowd, dominated thereafter and Williams powered home a late header to complete the turnaround.
Home captain Phil Jagielka was sent off in the dying minutes for a second bookable offence and Arsenal had two shots cleared off the line in a frantic finale.
But they could not prevent a first league defeat since their opening match of the season, leaving them three points behind leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand.
Everton, meanwhile, are up to seventh, four points behind fifth-placed Tottenham.
An off day for Arsenal attackers
Arsenal had thumped West Ham 5-1, Basel 4-1 and Stoke 3-1 in their previous three games, but two away games in the space of five days at Everton and Manchester City would provide Arsene Wenger’s side with a real chance to prove they are genuine title challengers.
? | The winner! #EFCmatchday pic.twitter.com/UHrXaNiu20
— Everton (@Everton) December 13, 2016
After Sanchez struck, and with the hosts struggling to get out of their own half, it looked as though another big win was on the cards. But the Gunners failed to build on the goal, which came from their only shot on target until the 90th minute, when Nacho Monreal and Alexi Iwobi had efforts cleared off the line.
It may just have been an off day for Arsenal’s forwards, but they are also struggling at the other end.
Wenger’s men have failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 successive games, and the Frenchman must address that if they are to challenge for a first league title since 2004.
Koeman can breathe a little easier
The scrutiny on Everton boss Ronald Koeman had increased during a run of just one win in the 10 Premier League games prior to Arsenal’s visit.
They had also kept just one clean sheet in that time and, against a free-scoring Arsenal, they were cautious from the outset.
For the first quarter of an hour there was a significant gap between forwards Romelu Lukaku and Enner Valencia and their team-mates, as they looked to play on the counter-attack.
It was an ineffective tactic as they failed to trouble Petr Cech, but Sanchez’s goal forced them to become more adventurous. The midfield pushed up to offer Lukaku and Valencia more support, and they suddenly looked a more dangerous side.
They showed plenty of grit and determination in the closing stages as Arsenal mounted one final, desperate attempt to snatch a draw, and the final whistle was greeted with roars of delight from the home fans.
It could prove to be a significant result in determining the course of Everton’s campaign.
