A jury in Waco, Texas has convicted Roman Catholic priest Anthony Odiong of sexual assault charges stemming from his exploitation of his clerical position to pursue sexual relationships with female parishioners.

The 12-member jury found Odiong, 57, guilty on three counts: one charge of sexual assault in the first degree and two counts of sexual assault in the second degree. The charges involved two women who testified that Odiong exploited his spiritual authority while providing them with religious guidance.

The trial began with jury selection on Tuesday and concluded Friday with the conviction. Prosecutors argued that Odiong illegally used his status as a clergyman to victimize devout female parishioners who had sought spiritual direction from him.

Following the conviction, a Louisiana chapel that Odiong helped establish quickly distanced itself from the priest. The Our Lady of Guadalupe healing chapel in Luling, near New Orleans, removed Odiong's name from its benefactor listings within hours of the verdict.

Court proceedings revealed that the two women who testified were part of a larger group of alleged victims. The names of the two women who testified remained listed among the chapel's benefactors as of Friday evening, according to reports from the scene.

Odiong's conviction represents a significant case of clergy sexual abuse prosecution, where authorities successfully argued that a priest criminally exploited the trust and spiritual authority inherent in his religious position.