A Nigerian-born Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been convicted by a jury in Texas, United States, over charges of sexually assaulting women who were under his spiritual guidance.

The 57-year-old, who later became a naturalised US citizen, was found guilty on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault after a trial held in Waco, Texas.The jury, made up of eight women and four men, reached a verdict after about two hours of deliberation.

During the trial, two women identified as Mary Doe and Jane Doe testified that the priest used his position of authority in the church to manipulate and pressure them into sexual relationships during periods when they were emotionally vulnerable.

One of the women said the abuse began while she was receiving spiritual counselling during a difficult divorce, while another said she was coerced under the guise of religious guidance.Prosecutors argued that Odiong exploited his clerical role, while the defence claimed the relationships were consensual.

Odiong, who was ordained in Nigeria in 1993 and later served in Texas and Louisiana parishes, had previously been suspended from ministry in 2019 following earlier allegations.

The case was also linked to a 2024 investigative report that brought renewed attention to his conduct, leading to further complaints and evidence, including DNA linked to a child allegedly fathered by him.

He now faces a sentencing phase, where he could receive a life sentence for the most serious charge, with additional prison terms for the other counts.