Former Texas Catholic priest arrested in Immokalee, to be extradited to face charges

The Waco Police Department in Texas is probing sexual assault allegations involving the former Catholic priest in McLennan County.

Naples Daily News

A former Catholic priest in Texas was arrested in Collier County on a warrant charging him with possession or promotion of child pornography.

On Tuesday morning, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office assisted the U.S. Marshal’s Service in executing an arrest warrant out of Texas for Anthony Okoneffiong Odiong, 55, of Immokalee.

The warrant charges Odiong with possession or promotion of child pornography, the sheriff's office said. He was booked into the Collier County jail, where he awaits extradition to Texas.

The Waco Police Department in Texas is probing sexual assault allegations involving Odiong during his time as a Catholic priest in McLennan County, Texas.

Waco police detectives, through their investigation, believe there may be more sexual assault survivors with similar alleged encounters with Odiong in other areas of the U.S., the sheriff's office said, although no potential victims have been located in Southwest Florida.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 239-252-9300.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.