A Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been convicted by a jury in Texas, United States, for sexually assaulting women who were under his spiritual care and guidance.
Odiong, 57, was found guilty of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial held in Waco, Texas.
The verdict was delivered by a 12-member jury comprising eight women and four men after approximately two hours of deliberation.
According to court proceedings, prosecutors accused the priest of exploiting his position as a spiritual leader to manipulate vulnerable women into sexual relationships while providing them with counselling and religious guidance.
Two women testified during the trial, alleging that Odiong used his authority as a Catholic priest to gain their trust before engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct.
One of the victims, identified in court as Mary Doe, told jurors that the priest initiated a sexual relationship with her while she was receiving spiritual counselling during a difficult divorce.
She further testified that her son once unexpectedly discovered her and the priest engaged in sexual activity inside her residence.
Another complainant, identified as Jane Doe, alleged that Odiong pressured her into sexual acts while presenting the encounters as part of his spiritual guidance.
Prosecutors argued that the priest took advantage of the women’s emotional vulnerability and the trust they placed in him as a religious figure.
Odiong, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, including life imprisonment on the first-degree sexual assault conviction. Sentencing proceedings are expected to commence on Monday.
The case gained wider attention following a 2024 investigation that detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and coercive behaviour involving the priest during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana.
Authorities said the publication of those allegations encouraged one of the victims to formally approach law enforcement with additional claims.
Investigators subsequently gathered further evidence, including DNA findings reportedly linked to a child fathered by Odiong during his time serving in Louisiana.
Odiong, a naturalised United States citizen, was ordained as a Catholic priest in Nigeria in 1993 before relocating to the United States, where he later served in several Catholic parishes across Texas and Louisiana.
