Investigation: Church Leaders Knew of Predatory Priest’s Misconduct but Allowed Him to Continue Ministry
A Guardian investigation reveals that Catholic church officials in New Orleans and Austin were aware of multiple sexual misconduct complaints against priest Anthony Odiong as early as 2011, yet he was allowed to extend his pastoral role, only receiving a life sentence after being convicted of assaulting two women.
Church Leadership Concealed Complaints
Catholic church leaders in New Orleans and Austin knew about priest Anthony Odiong's sexual misconduct from at least 2011, but allowed him to continue his ministry, according to a Guardian investigation. Odiong, who was convicted of sexually assaulting two women and sentenced to life imprisonment in early June 2026, repeatedly received extensions to his pastorate.
Documents obtained by the Guardian show that the Austin diocese received the first complaint against Odiong in 2011 but did not notify New Orleans until 2018, after three more complaints had accumulated. Meanwhile, Odiong, who served at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Luling, Louisiana, was granted permission to stay in 2018 for an additional three years, and in 2021 for another six years. Archbishop Gregory Aymond wrote to him: “You have served … with fidelity and dedication.”
A fifth woman came forward in 2019, alleging Odiong began a multi-year sexual relationship after meeting her in 2007. Still, church officials protected him. Only after Odiong gave a sermon in November 2023 comparing LGBTQ+ people to “monkeys and chimpanzees” did the New Orleans archdiocese suspend him.
Conviction and Survivors’ Response
Odiong’s criminal downfall began when one victim, Mary Doe, reported him in March 2024, leading to an investigation and his conviction on May 29. He was sentenced to life in prison for assaulting Mary Doe and Jane Doe under Texas law, which prohibits sexual relations between clergy and those under their spiritual authority.
Survivors criticized the church’s response. Mary Doe said the diocese’s pastoral letter tried to create “a vast distance between the church and those it failed – repeatedly and continually – to protect.” Jane Doe asked: “Who in the diocese’s leadership is going to be held accountable for that, and when?” An Austin diocese spokesperson denied concealing information but expressed “sincere regret” for the harm caused.
