Waco, Texas — The first woman to publicly accuse a Catholic priest who was convicted of sexual assault in Texas says she hopes the verdict will prevent him from harming others through his position of religious authority.
Anthony Odiong was found guilty Friday by a Texas jury on first- and second-degree sexual assault charges after a four-day trial in Waco. Jurors heard testimony from multiple women who accused the priest of exploiting his role as a spiritual counselor to initiate sexual relationships under the guise of religious guidance.
The woman, identified in court proceedings as “Hadassah Doe,” released a statement after the verdict thanking jurors for listening to the evidence. She said church officials could have prevented additional suffering had they acted on her complaints years earlier.
According to reporting by The Guardian and WWL Louisiana, Hadassah Doe first met Odiong in 2007 while he was studying theology in Ohio. She alleged that he manipulated her through years of counseling, convincing her that sexual acts performed during confession, private masses, and other encounters could help secure salvation. She also accused him of taking money from her and emotionally abusing her when she resisted.
Her allegations eventually inspired other women to come forward. Prosecutors presented testimony from two women identified as Mary Doe and Jane Doe, whose accounts helped build the criminal case. Authorities also alleged Odiong fathered a child with a congregant he counseled in Louisiana.
The jury deliberated for roughly two hours before returning guilty verdicts. Odiong now faces a possible life sentence when sentencing begins this week.
Sources:
- The Guardian – MBFC Rating
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