Texas jury deliberates fate of Catholic priest charged with sexual assault after Guardian reporting
A Texas jury is deliberating the fate of Catholic priest Anthony Odiong, who is charged with sexual assault. Odiong has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges involving female parishioners he allegedly exploited while providing spiritual guidance. The case gained attention following a Guardian article that reported accusations from several women against him.
- ▪Anthony Odiong is charged with exploiting his status as a clergyman to pursue sex with female parishioners.
- ▪He faces a first-degree sexual assault charge that could result in life imprisonment if convicted.
- ▪The trial began after a Guardian article reported on accusations of sexual coercion and abusive control against Odiong.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Anthony Odiong after his arrest in Florida on 16 July 2024. Photograph: Waco PoliceView image in fullscreenAnthony Odiong after his arrest in Florida on 16 July 2024. Photograph: Waco PoliceTexasTexas jury deliberates fate of Catholic priest charged with sexual assault after Guardian reportingAnthony Odiong is charged with exploiting his status as clergyman to pursue sex with female parishioners to whom he was providing spiritual directionCharlie Scudder and Ramon Antonio Vargas in Waco, TexasFri 29 May 2026 15.32 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 15.33 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA jury of eight women and four men in Texas began deliberating a verdict on Friday afternoon in the trial of a Roman Catholic priest charged with illegally exploiting his status as a clergyman to…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — World.
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