Nigerian-born Catholic priest Anthony Odiong has been sentenced to life imprisonment in Texas following his sexual assault convictions.
By OptimumNewsNow…
September 11, 2026
Nigerian-Born Catholic Priest Anthony Odiong Gets Life Sentence in Texas
A Nigerian-born Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in Texas after a jury convicted him of sexually assaulting women who were under his spiritual care.
Odiong, 57, was found guilty in Waco of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial involving two women who had interacted with him in his capacity as a priest and spiritual adviser. Prosecutors argued that he exploited the authority associated with his religious position.
The jury subsequently sentenced him to life in prison, with parole eligibility after 30 years. He also received two 20-year prison terms and was ordered to pay $30,000 in fines. His lawyer has indicated that the defence intends to appeal the conviction.
During the proceedings, prosecutors presented testimony concerning Odiong’s relationships with women who had sought spiritual guidance from him. The case centred on Texas laws governing sexual conduct between clergy and people under their spiritual authority.
Odiong was ordained a Catholic priest in Nigeria in 1993 and later served in Texas and Louisiana. He is a naturalised US citizen.
The case attracted renewed attention following a Guardian investigation into allegations involving Odiong. A subsequent investigation published in June reported that Catholic church officials had received complaints about his conduct years before his criminal conviction and had continued to allow him to serve in some ministerial roles.
The New Orleans Archdiocese later suspended Odiong from ministry in the region following complaints involving women, while his name was also removed from a Louisiana chapel he had helped establish.
Odiong’s conviction and life sentence have brought the case to a major legal milestone, although any appeal could lead to further proceedings.
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