![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 are in advanced talks to sign David Luiz and the centre-back is trying to force a move away from Chelsea before the window closes, according to a sensational report by L’Equipe.
It’s no secret that Unai Emery is trying to sign a centre-back after Laurent Koscielny joined Bordeaux on Tuesday and Arsenal have been linked with Daniele Rugani and Dayot Upamecano in recent days.
However, according to respected French publication L’Equipe, Arsenal are now in advanced negotiations with David Luiz and the Brazilian international has made up his mind he wants to move to the Emirates.
The shock report claims Luiz has refused to train today and is determined to force Chelsea into agreeing a deal with Arsenal after the Gunners tabled an offer for his signature.
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L’Equipe says Chelsea are reluctant to sell the 32-year-old and he still has two years left on his contract so the Blues are in a strong position to refuse the players demand to leave this summer.
It’s certainly a surprising story as Luiz appeared to be settled at Stamford Bridge having rejoined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016 and he was expected to be an important part of Frank Lampard’s plans this season.
We’ll have to wait and see how things develop over the coming hours but it would be a major shock if Chelsea agreed to do business with a direct rival like Arsenal this close to the transfer deadline.
