A Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been convicted by a jury in Texas, United States, on charges of 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 12-member jury comprising eight women and four men after approximately two hours of deliberation.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Odiong abused his position as a Catholic priest to manipulate and exploit women seeking spiritual guidance. Two women testified that he used his clerical authority to coerce them into sexual relationships during periods of personal and emotional vulnerability.

One of the complainants, identified in court documents as Mary Doe, told jurors that Odiong initiated a sexual relationship with her while providing spiritual counselling as she navigated a difficult divorce. She further testified that her son once walked in on her and the priest engaging in sexual intercourse at her home.

A second complainant, identified as Jane Doe, testified that Odiong pressured her into sexual acts under the guise of spiritual direction.

Odiong, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, maintained that the relationships were consensual. However, prosecutors contended that the priest's actions constituted an abuse of trust and authority inherent in his role as a spiritual leader.

The case gained wider attention following a 2024 investigation by *The Guardian*, which detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and coercive behaviour during Odiong's ministry in Texas and Louisiana. According to prosecutors, the report prompted one of the victims to approach law enforcement with additional allegations.

Investigators subsequently uncovered further evidence, including DNA evidence linking Odiong to a child fathered during his time serving in Louisiana.

A naturalised U.S. citizen, Odiong was ordained in Nigeria in 1993 before serving in several Catholic parishes across Texas and Louisiana. Church authorities suspended him from ministry in 2019 following earlier allegations of misconduct.

Sentencing is scheduled to begin on Monday. Odiong could face a life sentence on the first-degree sexual assault conviction.