A Nigerian Catholic priest has been convicted of sexually assaulting women in the United States. Anthony Odiong, from the Diocese of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, faced charges in Texas.
A jury of eight women and four men found him guilty on two counts of sexual assault. Odiong could spend life in prison on the first count or up to 20 years on the second.
He was arrested in 2024 after multiple women came forward with allegations. The accusers said he abused them while serving as their spiritual adviser in Waco, Texas and Luling, Louisiana.
Prosecutors argued that Odiong deliberately targeted vulnerable women going through personal crises. He used his position as a priest to exploit those seeking his guidance, the court heard.
One accuser, referred to in court documents as Mary Doe, said she became involved with Odiong during her divorce. She was raising seven children alone at the time.
Mary Doe testified that her son walked in on her and the priest having sex in her bedroom. The child also gave evidence during the trial.
Another woman claimed Odiong encouraged her to permit her abusive husband to sodomise her. He later asked her to describe the act to him, she alleged.
Investigators found DNA evidence linking Odiong to a child born in 2023. According to police, he fathered the child with a woman he was counselling at St.
Anthony of Padua Church.
At the time, Odiong was serving as pastor of that Louisiana church. Evidence showed he was providing spiritual direction to the woman when the relationship began.
The case drew widespread attention as it exposed how a cleric abused his authority. Victims described being isolated and manipulated during their most vulnerable moments.
A Texas grand jury had indicted Odiong following the initial investigation. His conviction now stands as a significant moment in the ongoing cases against clergy accused of abuse.
Advocacy groups have used this case to highlight risks faced by parishioners seeking spiritual support. Many called for stricter oversight of religious institutions to prevent similar abuses.
