![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")
Juan Mata has paid an emotional farewell to Manchester United via a heartfelt video message on his official Twitter account.
The former Spain international, 38, has left United after joining the club in January 2014.
“Sometimes reality exceeds dreams,” wrote Mata on Twitter.
In an accompanying video on his social media account, he added: “All good things come to an end. I really feel like an adopted Mancunian.”
Mata, who said he felt “special” and “very loved” during his eight-and-a-half seasons at the club, made 285 appearances and scored 51 goals for United.
https://twitter.com/juanmata8/status/1535239268377022464
He won the Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup but, unlike at his former side Chelsea, he failed to win the Champions League. The Premier League crown also evaded him.
Mata, whose contract at Old Trafford expired, joins fellow midfielders Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard out of the exit door as new manager Erik ten Hag begins his rebuild of the club.
Their departures were officially confirmed when United announced their list of retained players on Friday.
“I am truly honoured and proud – and I will always be one of you,” said Mata.
“I am the proudest man in the world for having represented this unique club.
“It is something I would have never of dreamed of when I was little. It felt too distant for a kid in Spain to one day play for one of the best clubs in the history of football.”
Mata signed a one-year contract extension in July last year, but he played just seven times in the Premier League in 2021-22.
“We haven’t experienced the best period in the history of the club, but we did have some amazing memories along the way in the form of trophies and special moments together that will stay forever in my mind,” he added.
“I wish nothing but the best to the club and the new manager – and I really hope this is the era full of great football, trophies and enjoyment for our fans.”
