Anthony Odiong, a Catholic priest from Nigeria, has been found guilty by a jury in Texas, United States, over sexual assault allegations involving women who sought spiritual guidance from him.
According to The Guardian, the jury—made up of eight women and four men—deliberated on a two-count sexual assault charge and returned a guilty verdict against Odiong.
The priest, who serves under the Diocese of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, now faces a possible life sentence for one count and up to 20 months in prison for the second charge.
Odiong was arrested in 2024 after multiple women accused him of sexual coercion, unwanted physical contact, and financial manipulation during his assignments in Waco, Texas, and Luling, Louisiana.
He was later indicted by a Texas grand jury following police investigations into the allegations.
Prosecutors told the court that Odiong allegedly used his position as a spiritual adviser to gain access to women experiencing personal crises and difficult life situations.
Investigators further revealed that the cleric had engaged in sexual relations with at least one of the complainants.
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One of the victims, identified as Mary Doe, told the court that the relationship began after she sought spiritual counselling during a difficult divorce that left her with custody of her seven children.
She recounted a disturbing incident in which her son allegedly walked in on her and the priest during a sexual encounter at her home after a family gathering. The child also testified during the proceedings.
Jurors also heard evidence linking Odiong through DNA to a child he allegedly fathered in 2023 with another woman, referred to as Presley Jones.
Odiong was reportedly serving as pastor at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Luling at the time of the incidents.