Texas jury deliberates fate of Catholic priest charged with sexual assault after Guardian reporting
Summary
A Texas jury is deciding the case of Anthony Odiong, a Catholic priest charged with sexually assaulting women during spiritual counseling. The case followed a 2024 Guardian report about women accusing Odiong of abuse in Texas and Louisiana. He faces serious prison time if found guilty.Key Facts
- Anthony Odiong, 57, is charged with one first-degree and two second-degree sexual assault counts in Texas.
- Odiong denies the charges and could face life in prison if convicted of first-degree assault.
- One charge was dropped because the witness was emotionally unable to testify and prosecutors chose not to compel her attendance.
- The case began after a Guardian article reported women’s accusations of sexual abuse and control by Odiong as their priest.
- Two women, using the names Mary Doe and Jane Doe, testified about abusive sexual situations linked to Odiong’s spiritual guidance.
- Prosecutors say Odiong’s influence over the women led to sexual assault, even when he was not directly involved.
- The accused worked at churches near Baylor University in Texas and in Luling, Louisiana, where he also fathered a child in 2023.
- Louisiana law does not cover the alleged conduct against Presley Jones, so no charges were filed there.
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