A Texas jury has convicted former Nigerian Catholic priest Anthony Odiong of sexually assaulting women during spiritual counselling sessions in the United States. According to Vanguard News, the 57-year-old was found guilty on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree assault involving two women.
Prosecutors said Odiong abused his position as a spiritual adviser to initiate inappropriate relationships with vulnerable parishioners. He now faces a possible life sentence on the most serious charge, with sentencing set to begin Monday.
The jury, made up of eight women and four men, deliberated for just two hours before returning its verdict. Odiong, who denied the allegations, showed little reaction in court as the decision was read. The case has drawn attention to clergy abuse and spiritual authority boundaries.
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