Account

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Catholic priest said ‘we are but men’ when challenged over sex with parishioner, court hears

Catholic priest said ‘we are but men’ when challenged over sex with parishioner, court hears

Summary

A Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, is on trial in Texas for sexually abusing women who sought his spiritual guidance. He faces several charges including sexual assault, and he has denied the allegations.

Key Facts

  • Anthony Odiong is a Roman Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing female congregants.
  • The trial is taking place in Waco, Texas.
  • A son of one victim testified he caught Odiong having sex with his mother in 2011.
  • Odiong responded with “we are but men” when confronted about the incident.
  • The priest continued his career for years, including studying in Rome and working in Louisiana.
  • Multiple women have accused Odiong of sexual coercion, unwanted touching, and financial abuse.
  • Texas law considers it assault for clergy to exploit congregants’ emotional dependence for sex.
  • Odiong pleaded not guilty to five first-degree and two second-degree sexual assault charges and faces possible life imprisonment.
Read the Full Article

This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.