Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
During the conclusion of a high-profile criminal trial at the 19th State District Court in Waco, Texas, on May 29, 2026, a jury found Nigerian Catholic priest Anthony Odiong guilty of sexually assaulting women who had sought his spiritual guidance, bringing to a close a case that has drawn international attention and renewed scrutiny of clergy abuse within the Catholic Church.
Odiong, 57, a native of Nigeria and a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, was convicted on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault involving two women whom prosecutors said he exploited while serving as their spiritual adviser. The jury, made up of eight women and four men, deliberated for approximately two hours before returning guilty verdicts on all counts presented to them.
The conviction follows years of allegations from multiple women across Texas and Louisiana who accused the priest of using his religious authority and pastoral position to pursue sexual relationships with vulnerable parishioners under his care. Prosecutors argued that Odiong deliberately targeted women experiencing personal crises, including marital difficulties, emotional distress, and other challenges, and then exploited the trust they placed in him as a spiritual leader.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Odiong served at several Catholic institutions, including St. Peter Catholic Student Center at Baylor University in Waco and St. Mary's of the Assumption Church in West, Texas, between 2007 and 2012 before later serving in Louisiana. Prosecutors alleged that many of the offenses occurred during that period while he was counseling women who sought spiritual direction from him.
The criminal case stemmed from an investigation launched after a woman reported to police in 2024 that Odiong had sexually assaulted her years earlier while acting as her spiritual adviser. Investigators subsequently identified additional women who alleged similar experiences with the priest, leading authorities to build a broader case involving multiple victims.
Court testimony revealed disturbing details about how prosecutors said the priest manipulated his victims. One woman testified that Odiong convinced her that their sexual encounters were "spiritual and holy," while another described how he used his religious position to gain her trust before crossing personal and sexual boundaries. Prosecutors argued that the pattern demonstrated a systematic abuse of authority rather than consensual relationships.
One of the most significant revelations during the trial involved evidence that DNA testing established that Odiong fathered a child with a Louisiana woman whom authorities said he met while serving as her spiritual guide. Prosecutors introduced the evidence to support their argument that the priest had engaged in a long-term pattern of exploiting women he encountered through his ministry. Although the child's mother was not among the victims included in the criminal charges before the jury, prosecutors cited the relationship as evidence of a broader pattern of misconduct.
Authorities stated that at least nine women eventually came forward with allegations involving the priest across multiple states. However, criminal charges were filed only in cases where prosecutors believed sufficient evidence existed to proceed. Several other women reportedly provided testimony or supporting evidence during the investigation.
During closing arguments, prosecutors described Odiong as a sexual predator who exploited vulnerable women by taking advantage of their faith and emotional dependence on him. One prosecutor told jurors that while the priest might one day answer before God, he was now answering before a court of law. The prosecution maintained that his religious status became a tool through which he gained access to women who trusted him.
Odiong pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings and did not testify during the trial's guilt phase. His defense team argued that the allegations were unreliable and challenged aspects of the investigation. Nevertheless, the jury sided with prosecutors after hearing testimony from victims, investigators, and other witnesses over several days.
The conviction carries potentially severe consequences. The first-degree sexual assault conviction alone could result in a life sentence, while the second-degree convictions carry possible prison terms ranging from two to twenty years. Sentencing proceedings are expected to determine the punishment that Odiong will face following the jury's verdict.
The case has also intensified scrutiny of how church authorities handled complaints against the priest. Records show concerns about Odiong's conduct had surfaced years before criminal charges were filed. He was eventually removed from ministry in Louisiana in 2023 after allegations became public, and church officials have since moved to distance institutions from his legacy.
Stone Reporters note that the conviction represents one of the most significant recent cases involving allegations of clergy sexual exploitation of adults under spiritual care, highlighting ongoing debates about accountability, abuse of religious authority, and protections for vulnerable parishioners within faith communities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments