Judge Postpones Trial for Central Texas Priest Accused of Sexual Assault

Father Anthony Odiong's trial delayed as prosecutors consolidate cases of three alleged victims into one trial

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:53pm

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An extreme close-up of a pair of metal handcuffs against a stark black background, the harsh lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures that convey a sense of the serious, investigative nature of this crime case.As the trial of a disgraced Central Texas priest accused of sexual assault is delayed, the harsh realities of the justice system come into focus.Waco Today

A judge in Waco, Texas has granted a defense request to postpone the sexual assault trial of Catholic priest Anthony Odiong, who has been jailed for over 600 days on $5.5 million bond. Prosecutors were also allowed to consolidate the cases of three alleged victims into a single trial against Odiong, who previously served in West, Louisiana and Florida.

Why it matters

The case against Father Odiong has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the sexual assault allegations involving multiple victims, as well as the high-profile status of the defendant as a Catholic priest. The trial delays and consolidation of cases highlight the complex legal proceedings involved in prosecuting such high-profile cases.

The details

Judge Thomas West granted a defense request to postpone Odiong's trial, which was originally scheduled for May 4, to May 23 with testimony beginning on May 26. Odiong's attorney cited the large volume of investigative materials as the reason for needing more time to prepare. Prosecutors had objected to the delay, arguing the alleged victims have been waiting a long time for their day in court. West also approved a request from prosecutors to submit a questionnaire to potential jurors to gauge their religious preferences, as the case involves a Catholic priest.

  • Odiong has been in the McLennan County Jail in lieu of $5.5 million bond for 617 days.
  • Odiong's trial was originally scheduled for May 4 but has been postponed to May 23, with testimony beginning on May 26 following the Memorial Day holiday.

The players

Anthony Odiong

A 57-year-old Catholic priest who formerly served in West, Louisiana and Florida, and is charged with seven counts of sexual assault involving three alleged victims.

Gerald Villarrial

Odiong's attorney, who has 32 years of experience and cited the large volume of investigative materials as the reason for needing more time to prepare for the trial.

Judge Thomas West

The judge presiding over the case, who granted the defense's request to postpone the trial and the prosecution's request to consolidate the cases of three alleged victims into one trial.

Ryan Calvert

One of the prosecutors handling the case, who strenuously objected to the trial delay, arguing the alleged victims have been waiting a long time for their day in court.

Liz Buice

One of the prosecutors handling the case, who worked with Calvert to consolidate the cases of three alleged victims into one trial.

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What they’re saying

“The voluminous information gathered in the investigation is the most I have seen during my 32 years as an attorney.”

— Gerald Villarrial, Odiong's attorney

“The delay would constitute an injustice for the victims.”

— Ryan Calvert, Prosecutor

What’s next

Judge West will summon 100 potential jurors, about 40 more than normal, for the trial due to the high-profile nature of the case. If convicted, Odiong faces up to life in prison on the first-degree felony charges and up to 20 years on the second-degree felony charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal proceedings and high stakes involved in prosecuting a high-profile sexual assault case against a Catholic priest, as well as the challenges in balancing the rights of the defendant with the desire of alleged victims to have their day in court.