A Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been found guilty by a jury in Texas, United States, for sexually assaulting women who were under his spiritual care.
The 57-year-old was convicted on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault after a trial held in Waco, Texas.
The verdict was reached by a 12-member jury made up of eight women and four men, who deliberated for about two hours before delivering their decision.
Court records show that prosecutors accused Odiong of abusing his position as a priest to take advantage of vulnerable women seeking spiritual counselling and emotional support.
During the trial, two women gave evidence against him, claiming he used his religious authority to gain their trust before engaging them in inappropriate sexual relationships.
One of the victims, referred to in court as Mary Doe, told the jury that the priest began a sexual relationship with her while she was receiving counselling during a difficult divorce period.
She also revealed that her son once walked in and saw her and the priest in a compromising situation inside her home.
Another woman, identified as Jane Doe, testified that Odiong pressured her into sexual activity while presenting it as part of spiritual guidance.
Prosecutors argued that the priest deliberately exploited the emotional vulnerability of the women and the trust they placed in him as a religious leader.
Odiong denied all the allegations in court, but he now faces the possibility of a long prison sentence, including life imprisonment for the first-degree sexual assault charge. Sentencing is expected to begin on Monday.
The case gained wider public attention after a 2024 investigative report highlighted earlier allegations of sexual misconduct involving the priest during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana.
Following the report, one of the victims came forward to report additional claims to law enforcement, which led to a deeper investigation.
Authorities also presented further evidence in court, including DNA findings reportedly linked to a child fathered by Odiong while he served in Louisiana.
Odiong, who later became a naturalised United States citizen, was ordained in Nigeria in 1993 before moving to the US, where he served in several Catholic parishes across Texas and Louisiana.