Jury selection began Tuesday in the criminal trial of Anthony Odiong, a 57-year-old Roman Catholic priest charged with sexually assaulting three female congregants in Waco, Texas.

Odiong faces five counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault. Prosecutors allege he abused his position as a clergyman to pursue sexual relationships with spiritually vulnerable women he met while ministering in the area.

The priest previously served in both Texas and southeast Louisiana during his ministry. If convicted on all charges, Odiong could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under Texas law.

The case is being heard in a state courthouse in Waco, where the alleged incidents occurred while Odiong was working with the congregation. The trial proceedings are expected to continue as attorneys work to seat a jury for the case.

The charges center on allegations that Odiong exploited his religious authority and the trust placed in him by members of his congregation to commit the alleged offenses.