Prosecutors Rest Against Anthony Odiong After 3 Counts Dismissed, Leaving 3 Felony Charges
Updated
Updated · KWTX · May 29
Prosecutors Rest Against Anthony Odiong After 3 Counts Dismissed, Leaving 3 Felony Charges
7 articles · Updated · KWTX · May 29
11 witnesses over two days closed the prosecution’s case Thursday against former priest Anthony Odiong, with the defense set to begin Friday in Waco.
3 sexual-assault counts were dropped during trial, including one indictment dismissed after an alleged victim identified as A.W. fled the courthouse, could not be located and was deemed too emotionally fragile to compel.
Odiong, 57, now faces 1 first-degree felony count and 2 second-degree counts; the top charge carries up to life in prison, while he remains eligible for probation.
Two women testified Thursday that Odiong turned spiritual counseling into sexual relationships while they were vulnerable, echoing prosecutors’ argument that he exploited his authority as a priest.
Since his Florida arrest 2 years ago, 9 women have accused Odiong of sexual misconduct, including a Louisiana woman whose child was confirmed by DNA tests to be his.
Texas law convicted a priest for abusing spiritual trust. Are other states prepared to follow this legal path?
A priest is guilty of sexual assault. Can the Catholic Church now be held accountable for enabling him?