![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 "Is Anthony Odiong still a priest after life in prison sentence over rape?")
Napoli is expected to announce former AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso as replacement for Carlo Ancelotti who was sacked after a 4-0 victory against Genk in the Champions League.
The Serie A side are considering their options following a dismal season which has included a poor run of form and disputes between the players and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis off the pitch.
According Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, the deal to bring Gattuso to Naples to replace his former manager at AC Milan has been concluded.
“Gennaro Gattuso will be new Napoli manager. He will take Carlo Ancelotti’s place. Total agreement for six months contract plus an option for one year more (2021). Confirmed, done and signed,” he tweeted Wednesday morning.
It is understood that Everton is a possible destination for the former Chelsea manager if he is sacked.
Napoli have endured a turbulent campaign so far, with the club fining players for not attending an in-season training camp following a 1-1 draw against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League in November. That move was then contested by world footballers’ union FIFPro.
In his playing days, Gattuso spent just over a year at Rangers before going on to win two Serie A and two Champions League titles in 13 years at AC Milan – where he played under Ancelotti.
He also won the World Cup with Italy in 2006.
