Anthony Odiong

Anthony Odiong, a 57-year-old Roman Catholic priest who served in Texas and southeastern Louisiana, is currently facing a criminal trial in Waco, Texas. The trial began with jury selection and centers on charges of illicitly abusing his clerical status to pursue sexual relations with spiritually vulnerable female congregants. Odiong faces a total of seven charges: five counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault. Prosecutors are seeking to consolidate cases involving three separate accusers into a single trial. The proceedings highlight serious allegations of misconduct within the clergy and the legal process underway to address them.