Jury seated as US trial of Catholic priest accused of sexual assault begins
The trial of Anthony Odiong, a Roman Catholic priest accused of sexual assault, has begun with jury selection in Waco, Texas. Odiong faces multiple charges related to the alleged abuse of three female congregants and could face life imprisonment if convicted. The case has drawn attention due to the number of accusers and the nature of the allegations against him.
- ▪Anthony Odiong is charged with five counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault.
- ▪The charges stem from allegations made by three women who were congregants under his ministry.
- ▪Prosecutors argue that Odiong exploited the emotional dependency of these women as their spiritual adviser.
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 PoliceTexasTrial of US priest charged with sexual assault begins with jury selectionAnthony Odiong accused of sexually abusing three female congregants in Waco faces a maximum of life imprisonmentRamon Antonio Vargas in Waco, TexasTue 26 May 2026 12.43 EDTLast modified on Tue 26 May 2026 12.45 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe criminal trial of a Roman Catholic priest who ministered in Texas and south-east Louisiana and was charged with illicitly abusing his status as a clergyman to pursue sex with spiritually vulnerable female congregants began on Tuesday with jury selection.Anthony Odiong, 57, faces…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
