Texas jury to consider sentence for Catholic priest convicted of sexual assault
Summary
A Texas jury is deciding the sentence for Anthony Odiong, a Catholic priest found guilty of sexual assault involving his role as a clergyman. Odiong faces between five years to life in prison for first-degree assault and two to 20 years for second-degree assault after a trial that included testimonies from multiple women.Key Facts
- Anthony Odiong, 57, is a Roman Catholic priest convicted of first- and second-degree sexual assault in Texas.
- The jury started sentencing deliberations after a four-day trial.
- Odiong exploited his role as a priest to coerce sex from two women who were his parishioners.
- He ministered around Waco, Texas, and served as pastor in Luling, Louisiana.
- The Catholic Church removed Odiong from his pastor role in late 2023 due to misconduct allegations.
- Several women testified about sexual misconduct spanning over 10 years during Odiong's service.
- One victim reported coercive control and unwanted touching during spiritual counseling.
- Texas law considers sexual abuse by clergy using spiritual authority as felony assault.
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