![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?")
Celtic have been charged by Uefa after a fan ran on to the pitch and appeared to aim a kick at Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe.
The incident happened late in the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League match at Celtic Park, shortly after the visitors’ third goal in a 5-0 win.
PSG also face a charge after seats were damaged in the away section.
The cases will be dealt with by Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body on 19 October.
Police Scotland reported seven arrests at the match, including a 21-year-old man charged with alleged pitch incursion and assault.
He was taken into custody, along with three other men who were accused of assault, breach of the peace and violating the offensive behaviour at football act 2012.
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said he was pleased the rest of the sell-out crowd booed the intruder.
“I think their reaction said it all,” he said. “It was disappointing at any ground, at any club, a supporter getting on the pitch like that.
“It was bitterly disappointing and I am sure the club will deal with whoever that supporter was. It shouldn’t be anything that we should see.
“I think the stewards dealt with it at the time and I am sure the club will deal with it.”
In July, Celtic were fined £20,600 after an “illicit banner” was displayed during their qualifying win over Linfield.
It was the club’s 11th punishment in six years relating to misconduct from supporters during European ties.
Following the initial charge, they announced a two-game closure of the area of the stadium occupied by the Green Brigade fans’ group.
