Anthony Odiong, a 57-year-old Nigerian-born Catholic priest, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting women under his spiritual guidance in Texas. The verdict, delivered by a 12-member jury in Waco, included one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault. The jury, made up of eight women and four men, reached its decision after about two hours of deliberation. Prosecutors argued that Odiong exploited his role as a spiritual leader to manipulate vulnerable women during counselling sessions. Two women testified in court, detailing how the abuse occurred under the guise of religious and emotional support.
One woman, identified as Mary Doe, stated that Odiong began a sexual relationship with her while she was undergoing spiritual counselling during a divorce. She testified that her son discovered them engaged in sexual activity at her home. The second complainant, Jane Doe, alleged that Odiong framed sexual acts as part of her spiritual guidance. Prosecutors emphasized that the priest used the trust placed in him as a religious figure to take advantage of the women's emotional states. Odiong pleaded not guilty and now faces sentencing, which is scheduled to begin on Monday. He could receive a life sentence for the first-degree charge.
The case drew broader attention after a 2024 investigation uncovered prior allegations of sexual misconduct and coercive behaviour during Odiong's ministry in Texas and Louisiana. One victim came forward to law enforcement after reading the report. Investigators later collected DNA evidence reportedly linking Odiong to a child fathered during his time in Louisiana. Odiong, a naturalised U.S. citizen, was ordained in Nigeria in 1993 and served in multiple Catholic parishes across the southern United States.
Anthony Odiong built trust as a spiritual guide while allegedly using that same position to exploit women seeking help. One victim's son found her in a sexual act with the priest meant to be counselling her. The conviction reveals how authority meant for healing was weaponised in private. Survivors came forward only after public exposure of past allegations.
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