Texas Priest Anthony Odiong Faces 3 Sexual Assault Charges as Waco Trial Opens
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 26
Texas Priest Anthony Odiong Faces 3 Sexual Assault Charges as Waco Trial Opens
5 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 26
A pool of 100 prospective jurors was questioned Tuesday in Waco as Anthony Odiong’s trial opened on charges that he exploited three women’s spiritual dependence to engage in sexual conduct.
The 57-year-old priest faces 2 to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count if convicted after a trial expected to last a week or more.
Prosecutors say a February 2024 Guardian report led one woman to bring her 2012 allegation to police, helping investigators identify as many as 10 suspected victims in Texas and Louisiana.
Court filings show the state plans to call additional accusers and cite evidence that Odiong fathered at least one child with a former congregant to argue a broader pattern of targeting female parishioners.
Odiong, who denies wrongdoing, has been held on $5.5 million bail since July 2024; the case also spotlights scrutiny of how the Catholic Church handles alleged abuse of adults under priests’ spiritual authority.
With billions paid in settlements, what will it take to stop clergy abuse?
Why was a priest with a known misconduct history repeatedly moved between dioceses?
Can prosecutors prove that exploiting spiritual trust is a form of sexual assault?
$305 Million Settlement and the Anthony Odiong Case: Unveiling Clergy Abuse and Calls for Reform in the Catholic Church
Overview
The ongoing trial of Anthony Odiong in Waco, Texas, has sparked strong reactions from state officials and the public. State Representative Pat Curry has called the situation a 'travesty' and stressed the need for lawmakers to fight for Texans by preventing corrupt situations and increasing accountability. Alongside Representative Jeff Leach, Curry has pledged to pursue legislative action to ensure future cases do not end unfavorably, referencing past failures like Adam Hoffman’s case. These responses highlight a growing demand for systemic change and stronger safeguards within the legal system to protect vulnerable individuals and restore public trust.