US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted for sexually assaulting women

A United States-based Nigerian Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been convicted by a Texas jury for sexually assaulting women who were under his spiritual care.

Odiong, 57, was found guilty of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial in Waco, Texas.

The verdict was delivered on Friday by a jury comprising eight women and four men after about two hours of deliberation.

During the trial, two women testified that the priest used his position and influence as a spiritual leader to manipulate them into sexual relationships.

Prosecutors told the court that Odiong exploited his role as a Catholic priest to pursue sexual relationships with women he was counselling and guiding spiritually.

Although he pleaded not guilty to the charges, the priest could face life imprisonment on the first-degree sexual assault conviction when sentencing proceedings begin on Monday.

According to prosecutors, the offences involved two women who said Odiong took advantage of their emotional vulnerability and abused the authority attached to his clerical position.

One of the victims, identified in court documents as Mary Doe, testified that the priest entered into a sexual relationship with her while providing spiritual counselling during a difficult period in her divorce.

She further told the court that her son once walked in on her and Odiong during sexual intercourse at her residence.

Another victim, identified as Jane Doe, testified that the priest pressured her into sexual acts while presenting them as part of spiritual guidance.

The case stemmed from a 2024 report by The Guardian that detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and coercion involving Odiong during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana.

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Prosecutors said the publication of the report encouraged one of the victims to approach law enforcement authorities with additional allegations.

Subsequent investigations uncovered further evidence, including DNA linked to a child fathered by Odiong while he was serving in Louisiana.

Odiong, a naturalised American citizen, was ordained as a Catholic priest in Nigeria in 1993 before later serving in parishes across Texas and Louisiana.

Authorities said he was suspended from ministry duties in 2019 after earlier allegations of misconduct emerged against him.

During the trial, defence lawyers argued that the relationships were consensual. However, prosecutors maintained that the priest abused the authority and trust associated with his position as a member of the clergy.

(The Guardian)