Opening statements scheduled in trial of NJ father accused of raping, impregnating daughters

Openings scheduled for NJ daughters-rape trial

PATERSON, N.J. — Opening statements are expected Tuesday in the trial of a New Jersey man accused of raping his five daughters and keeping their offspring hidden from society.

The trial was delayed last week after the man told a judge he had been assaulted by a prisoner during transport. A court-ordered examination found no evidence of assault.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the 27 sex assault and child endangerment-related charges.

His wife has said he spoke of apocalyptic visions that drove him to create pure family bloodlines. She is scheduled to be the first witness.

The Associated Press does not identify victims of sexual crimes and is not reporting the name of the man or his wife to protect the identities of their children, now all over 18.