Nigerian-born Catholic priest found guilty of sexually assaulting women in his care in US
Nigerian-Born Priest Convicted of Sexual Assault in Texas
WACO, Texas — Anthony Odiong, a 57-year-old Roman Catholic priest originally from Nigeria, was convicted by a jury on multiple sexual assault charges. The verdict, reached after approximately two hours of deliberation, found Odiong guilty of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault.
The trial centered on allegations that Odiong exploited his position as a spiritual leader to manipulate women under his care into sexual relationships. Prosecutors detailed how he provided counseling and spiritual guidance to vulnerable women before engaging in inappropriate conduct.
Testimony from two women detailed the priest’s abuse of his authority. One victim, identified in court as Mary Doe, recounted how Odiong initiated a sexual relationship during her spiritual counseling sessions while she faced a difficult divorce. She further testified that her son unexpectedly discovered them in a compromising situation at her home.
Another complainant, Jane Doe, alleged that Odiong pressured her into sexual acts, framing them as part of his spiritual guidance. Prosecutors argued that he took advantage of the emotional vulnerability of these women and the trust they placed in him.
Odiong, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, now faces a significant prison sentence, including the possibility of life imprisonment for the first-degree sexual assault conviction. Sentencing proceedings are scheduled to begin on Monday.
The case attracted wider attention following a 2024 investigation that revealed additional allegations of sexual misconduct and coercive behavior involving Odiong during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana. Authorities stated that the publication of these allegations encouraged one victim to come forward with additional claims.
Investigators subsequently uncovered further evidence, including DNA linked to a child allegedly fathered by Odiong during his time in Louisiana.
Odiong, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was ordained as a priest in Nigeria in 1993 before relocating to the United States, where he served in several parishes across Texas and Louisiana.
