The first woman to publicly accuse a Roman Catholic priest convicted by a Texas jury of repeated sexual assault expressed hope that the verdict would prevent him from using faith as a tool to manipulate victims. The woman, identified in court as Hadassah Doe, stated on Saturday that she is grateful the jury saw the truth.
Details of the Case
Anthony Odiong was found guilty of first- and second-degree sexual assault after a four-day trial in Waco, Texas, involving two women, Mary Doe and Jane Doe. Hadassah Doe noted that church officials in Louisiana could have prevented suffering if they had acted on her earlier reports.
Hadassah Doe’s Account
Hadassah met Odiong in 2007 while he studied at Franciscan University. She described how he positioned himself as her spiritual counselor and initiated a years-long physical relationship, coercing her into sexual acts during confession and private masses, claiming it ensured her salvation. She also accused him of theft and verbal abuse when she refused.
She reported Odiong to the New Orleans archdiocese in 2019, but no action was taken. The local sheriff’s office concluded the relationship was not illegal in Louisiana.
Other Victims Come Forward
Jane Doe contacted the Guardian after reading Hadassah’s story, describing similar abuse during marital counseling. Mary Doe reported Odiong after reading Jane’s account, leading to the investigation that resulted in charges.
Prosecutors established that Odiong fathered a child in 2023 with a congregant. The jury deliberated for about two hours before convicting him.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Odiong faces up to life imprisonment, with sentencing set to begin Monday. Hadassah Doe praised the prosecution and awaits the outcome of her bankruptcy claim against the New Orleans archdiocese, which agreed to pay $305 million to abuse survivors.
In her claim, she wrote: “The abuse has completely ruined my life and self-confidence. I have repeated nightmares of Fr Odiong abusing me.”
