A Nigerian Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been found guilty by a jury in Texas, United States, on charges of sexually assaulting women who sought his spiritual guidance.
The conviction followed a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence alleging that Odiong exploited his position as a trusted religious leader to manipulate and abuse vulnerable women experiencing personal and emotional difficulties.
Odiong, a priest of the Diocese of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, was convicted on two counts of sexual assault. He now faces the possibility of life imprisonment on the first-degree felony charge and an additional prison term on the second-degree offense.
The case stemmed from allegations that surfaced in 2024, when several women accused the cleric of sexual coercion, inappropriate touching, and financial manipulation during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana. A grand jury subsequently indicted him on felony sexual assault charges.
During the trial, prosecutors told the court that Odiong often presented himself as a spiritual adviser to women facing crises in their personal lives. Testimonies revealed that he allegedly used this position of trust to establish inappropriate relationships with some of them.
One of the victims, identified in court documents as Mary Doe, testified that the priest began a sexual relationship with her while providing spiritual counseling during a difficult divorce. She told jurors that one of her children unexpectedly discovered the pair together in her home.
Jurors also heard evidence that investigators obtained DNA records linking Odiong to a child born to another woman whom he had reportedly counseled while serving as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Louisiana.
The trial attracted significant public attention, raising fresh concerns about accountability within religious institutions and the protection of individuals seeking spiritual guidance.
Sentencing is expected at a later date.
