Overview
- A jury convicted Father Anthony Odiong of one count of first‑degree sexual assault and two counts of second‑degree sexual assault and the court sentenced him to life in prison on the first‑degree count with concurrent 20‑year terms for the second‑degree counts.
- The sentence was handed down on Tuesday after prosecutors presented evidence they say showed a pattern of abuse that ranged from unwanted contact during confession to long sexual relationships with parishioners.
- Investigators said a months‑long probe identified at least ten alleged victims and introduced DNA evidence indicating Odiong likely fathered a child as a result of the abuse.
- Odiong was arrested in Florida in July 2024 after police recovered child pornography during the investigation, his defense has said it will appeal, and he will be eligible for parole under Texas law after the required interval.
- The Diocese of Austin says Odiong remains a priest but is barred from ministry while criminal and civil matters continue, and church authorities face public questions about earlier handling of complaints that were forwarded between dioceses.