A Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been convicted in Texas, United States, of sexually assaulting women under his spiritual care, marking a significant legal outcome in a case that has drawn national attention. The 57-year-old priest was found guilty by a 12-member jury in Waco, Texas, on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial that concluded after approximately two hours of deliberation. The jury, composed of eight women and four men, delivered the verdict after hearing testimony from two women who accused Odiong of exploiting his position as a spiritual leader to manipulate and abuse them.
Prosecutors argued that Odiong used his role as a Catholic priest to gain the trust of emotionally vulnerable women, then engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct while providing religious counselling. One victim, identified as Mary Doe, testified that the priest initiated a sexual relationship with her during a difficult divorce, a time when she was seeking spiritual guidance. She revealed that her son once stumbled upon the priest and her engaged in sexual activity inside her home, an incident that further shattered her trust and sense of safety.
Another complainant, Jane Doe, stated that Odiong pressured her into sexual acts, framing the encounters as part of his spiritual ministry. Both women emphasized that they had placed deep trust in Odiong as a religious figure, making the abuse all the more traumatic. Prosecutors highlighted that the priest’s actions were a betrayal of his sacred role and took advantage of the power imbalance inherent in his position.
Odiong, who pleaded not guilty throughout the trial, now faces the possibility of life imprisonment due to the first-degree sexual assault conviction. Sentencing is scheduled to begin on Monday, with legal experts anticipating a lengthy prison term. The case gained wider public attention after a 2024 investigative report detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and coercive behaviour during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana. That report reportedly prompted one of the victims to come forward with additional claims to law enforcement.
Investigators later uncovered DNA evidence linking Odiong to a child fathered during his time serving in Louisiana, further strengthening the case against him. Odiong, a naturalised U.S. citizen, was ordained as a Catholic priest in Nigeria in 1993 before relocating to the United States. He served in multiple Catholic parishes across Texas and Louisiana over the years. The conviction sends a strong message about accountability for religious leaders and underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals within faith communities. This case may prompt broader discussions on oversight and protection measures within religious institutions in the U.S.
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