A jury has convicted Nigerian Catholic priest Anthony Odiong of sexual assault and using his clerical status to sexually exploit women.
The cleric now risks life imprisonment under Texas law.
According to a report by The Guardian on Saturday, an eight-member female jury and four male jurors found the 57-year-old priest guilty of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault involving two women who testified during the trial held in Waco, Texas.
The conviction followed allegations that Odiong exploited his position as a religious leader to sexually abuse women. The trial began earlier in the week with jury selection before proceeding to witness testimonies and deliberations.
Under Texas law, the first-degree conviction carries a possible life sentence, while each of the second-degree convictions attracts a prison term ranging from two to 20 years. Sentencing is scheduled to commence on Monday.
Investigations into the priest intensified after multiple women accused him of sexual assault and exploitation, allegations that were first brought to public attention through media reports.
With the verdict, Odiong is set to become the second priest who served at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Luling to be convicted and imprisoned over sexual assault-related offences within two years.
The development comes after retired Catholic priest Lawrence Hecker, 93, admitted to charges of kidnapping and raping a boy at a New Orleans church in 1975. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2024.
