Nigerian-born priest convicted of abusing women under spiritual guidance in US

A Texas jury has found Nigerian-born Catholic priest Anthony Odiong guilty of sexually assaulting women who were under his pastoral care in the United States.

Odiong, 57, was convicted on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial in Waco, Texas.

The verdict was returned by a 12-member jury made up of eight women and four men after roughly two hours of deliberation.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that the priest abused the trust and authority attached to his role as a spiritual leader to exploit women seeking religious guidance and counselling.

Two women testified that Odiong used his position within the Catholic Church to establish trust before engaging in sexual conduct with them.

One of the complainants, identified in court as Mary Doe, told jurors that the priest began a sexual relationship with her while she was receiving spiritual counselling amid a difficult divorce. She also claimed that her son once unexpectedly walked in on them during a sexual encounter at her home.

A second accuser, referred to as Jane Doe, alleged that Odiong coerced her into sexual activities while portraying the encounters as part of his spiritual direction.

Prosecutors maintained that the priest preyed on the emotional vulnerability of the women and misused the confidence they placed in him as a religious figure.

Although Odiong pleaded not guilty, the jury found him guilty on all counts. He now faces the possibility of a substantial prison sentence, including life imprisonment for the first-degree sexual assault conviction. Sentencing is expected to begin on Monday.

The case attracted significant public attention after a 2024 investigation exposed allegations of sexual misconduct and manipulative behaviour linked to the priest during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana.

Authorities said the publication of those allegations encouraged one of the victims to come forward with additional claims, prompting a broader investigation.

Detectives later obtained further evidence, including DNA results allegedly connecting Odiong to a child he fathered while serving in Louisiana.

Ordained in Nigeria in 1993, Odiong later became a naturalised U.S. citizen and served in several Catholic parishes across Texas and Louisiana before the allegations emerged.

### Headlines

1. **Nigerian-Born Priest Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Women in Texas**

2. **US Jury Convicts Nigerian Catholic Priest of Sexual Assault**

3. **Anthony Odiong Faces Life Sentence After Sexual Assault Conviction**

4. **Texas Court Finds Nigerian Priest Guilty of Exploiting Women Under Spiritual Care**

5. **Catholic Priest Convicted for Abusing Position to Assault Women**

6. **Nigerian Clergyman Found Guilty in High-Profile Sexual Assault Case**

7. **Former Parish Priest Convicted of Sexual Abuse in US Trial**

8. **Texas Jury Returns Guilty Verdict Against Nigerian-Born Catholic Priest**

9. **Spiritual Counsellor Turned Predator: Priest Convicted of Sexual Assault**

10. **Nigerian Priest Faces Lengthy Jail Term After Sexual Assault Conviction**

**Best headline:**

**US Jury Convicts Nigerian-Born Catholic Priest o

f Sexual Assaulting Women Under His Care**