WACO, Texas — Prosecutors in Texas are seeking to combine multiple felony sexual assault cases against a Catholic priest into a single trial, intensifying a high-profile case involving allegations of abuse of authority within the church.
The McLennan County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion to consolidate three cases against Anthony Odiong, arguing the alleged offenses are connected and involve similar conduct. Prosecutors claim Odiong exploited the emotional dependency of parishioners under his spiritual guidance to engage in sexual relationships, which Texas law classifies as felony offenses.
Odiong faces five counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault stemming from allegations involving three women. If convicted on the most serious charges, he could face life in prison. A tentative trial date has been set for May 4, though the defense may oppose combining the cases.
Investigators identified at least 10 women in Texas and Louisiana, including the New Orleans area, who accused Odiong of misconduct. However, not all allegations resulted in criminal charges. Prosecutors may still call additional accusers to testify in support of the cases being tried.
The case emerges as the Catholic Church continues to debate expanding definitions of abuse involving adults under spiritual authority. Odiong has denied the allegations, previously describing them as a “false, salacious, one-sided smear campaign.”
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