Priest accuser hopes Texas conviction will keep him from victimizing others A woman, identified as Hadassah Doe, expressed gratitude for the jury’s verdict convicting priest Anthony Odiong of sexual assault charges in Texas. She criticized church officials for not acting on her earlier reports, which she believes could have prevented suffering. The trial involved testimony from multiple women, detailing years of alleged abuse and manipulation by Odiong.

• Anthony Odiong, a Roman Catholic priest, was convicted by a Texas jury on charges of repeated adult, criminal clergy sexual abuse.
• The first woman to publicly accuse Odiong, using the pseudonym Hadassah Doe, expressed hope that the conviction will prevent future victimization.
• Doe detailed how Odiong allegedly positioned himself as her spiritual counselor and initiated a sexual relationship, persuading her to perform sexual acts during confession and private masses.
• She accused church officials, including those in Louisiana where Odiong ministered, of failing to act on her reports made years earlier.
• Other women, identified as Mary Doe and Jane Doe, also provided testimony detailing abusive experiences with Odiong.
• Odiong’s accusers stated that church officials in Waco, Texas, were aware of misconduct allegations by 2019 and had privately notified their counterparts in New Orleans.
• Despite accusations and prior knowledge of misconduct allegations, Odiong continued his ministry in various locations.
• The jury found Odiong guilty of first- and second-degree sexual assault charges after a four-day trial.
• Odiong faces up to life imprisonment during the sentencing phase.
• Hadassah Doe also has a pending claim for damages filed as part of a bankruptcy protection case involving the New Orleans archdiocese, which is settling with abuse survivors.