Anthony Odiong, accused of sexually abusing three female congregants in Waco, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison per charge

The criminal trial of a Roman Catholic priest who ministered in Texas and south-east Louisiana and was charged with illicitly abusing his status as a clergyman to pursue sex with spiritually vulnerable female congregants began on Tuesday with jury selection.

Anthony Odiong, 57, faces charges of sexual assault in a state courthouse in Waco, Texas, involving three women whom he met while working there.