31/05/2026
Nigerian-Born Catholic Priest Convicted of Sexual Assault in Texas
A Texas jury has convicted Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest Anthony Odiong on multiple sexual assault charges involving women who were under his spiritual care.
Odiong, 57, was found guilty in a court in Waco, Texas, of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault after prosecutors argued that he used his position as a spiritual adviser to exploit vulnerable women who sought guidance from him.
According to court proceedings, the victims testified that the former priest used religious influence and emotional dependency to initiate and maintain sexual relationships while serving in ministerial roles in Texas and Louisiana. Prosecutors said the case involved women who had turned to him for spiritual counseling and support.
The jury reportedly deliberated for about two hours before returning the guilty verdict. Odiong had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Court documents stated that Odiong was accused of exploiting the emotional dependency of parishioners who viewed him as a trusted religious leader. Prosecutors also presented evidence that he fathered a child with a woman who had been under his spiritual direction.
The case attracted significant attention in the United States because multiple women came forward with similar allegations, with investigators identifying several alleged victims over the course of the inquiry.
Odiong, originally from Nigeria and ordained as a Catholic priest in 1993, previously served in Texas, Louisiana, and other locations in the United States. Church authorities had earlier suspended him from ministry amid misconduct allegations.
He now faces a possible life sentence on the first-degree conviction, while sentencing proceedings are expected to continue before the same jury.
The conviction has renewed discussions within parts of the Catholic Church and legal community about clergy accountability and the protection of people receiving spiritual counseling.
