Priest Accuser Hopes Texas Conviction Prevents Further Abuse

A woman who accused a Roman Catholic priest of repeated adult, criminal clergy sexual abuse expressed hope that his recent Texas conviction would prevent him from victimizing others. She described how church officials failed to act when she reported the abuse years earlier, allowing further harm.

The accused, Anthony Odiong, was convicted by a Texas jury on charges of first- and second-degree sexual assault after a four-day trial. The woman, referred to as Hadassah Doe, recounted how the priest manipulated her into performing sexual acts during confession and private masses, claiming it ensured her salvation.

Hadassah Doe met Odiong in 2007 while he studied for a theological master’s degree. She described how he positioned himself as her spiritual counselor and initiated a years-long physical relationship. He allegedly stole money from her and disparaged her if she refused his advances.

In 2019, Hadassah Doe contacted the New Orleans archdiocese to report Odiong, but neither authorities nor the church took action. She later shared her story with the public after the archdiocese suspended him over clerical misconduct, without elaborating on the details.

Another accuser, Jane Doe, corroborated Hadassah’s account, stating that Odiong directed her to submit to painful intercourse to save her marriage. Church officials in Waco had banned him from ministering in 2019 over misconduct allegations, but his career continued unimpeded.

Authorities in Texas charged Odiong with sexual assault after Mary Doe reported a years-long relationship with him. The investigation led to Jane Doe and other accusers, who provided enough probable cause to charge him with multiple counts of sexual assault. (Proverbs 31:8-9), (Ephesians 5:11)

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