![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")
Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez has inked a one-year deal that will secure his place at the Major League Soccer team for the 2026 season.
Suarez netted 17 goals and delivered 17 assists in 50 matches throughout all competitions in 2025, as Miami claimed the MLS Cup for the first time by overcoming Vancouver Whitecaps earlier this month.
The ex-Uruguay international, set to turn 39 next month, initially joined the MLS club prior to the 2024 season, reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
Despite the retirements of former Spain internationals Busquets and Alba following the MLS Cup victory, Suarez has pledged his future to Miami after a brief period without a contract, joining Messi, who agreed to a deal lasting until 2028 in October.
Ex-Liverpool striker Suarez, who assisted Miami in clinching the Supporters’ Shield title in his first season, has remained embroiled in controversy throughout his time in the U.S.
Suarez received a nine-match suspension for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member after Miami’s loss in the League Cup final in August.
In 2011, the English Football Association imposed an eight-match suspension on him for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra; additionally, he faced three bans – with Ajax, Uruguay, and Liverpool – for biting an opponent.
Inter Miami, which David Beckham co-owns, has also acquired former Tottenham and Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon on a free transfer this week
