Man, 33, Claims 11-Year-Old Girl Got Pregnant From Touching His Clothing
DNA proves he's the dad, but he denies sex, saying the child had contact with body fluids on a garment.
![Robert Cronin [Niskayuna Police]](http://investigationdiscovery.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/investigationdiscovery/crimefeed/legacy/2019/01/Robert-Cronin-Niskayuna-Police-S1172019.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1547747811230.jpeg)
Robert Cronin [Niskayuna Police]
NISKAYUNA, NY – A 33-year-old upstate New York man has been charged with felony predatory sexual assault after an 11-year-old girl gave birth to his child in November.
The suspect admits to being the baby’s father, but he claims that the alleged victim got pregnant after having contact with clothing into which he had masturbated.
After DNA results positively identified Robert Cronin as the baby’s parent, WTEN aired video of a jailhouse interview with the suspect.
In the clip, Cronin repeatedly asserts that he did not have sex with the girl. He also stands by his theory as to how the child got pregnant and maintains that the Niskayuna Police simply lack the scientific knowledge to believe him.
Through tears, he replies, “I don’t want to be known for a crime I didn’t commit.”
At one point, the interviewer asks Cronin, “Do you understand why it would be hard for people to understand the reasoning behind this conception that you’re offering?" In response, Cronin says, “Yes.”
In a separate Q&A with WRBG, a reporter asks Cronin why he decided to take his case to the media. Through tears, he replies, “I don’t want to be known for a crime I didn’t commit.”
Cronin has no prior criminal history. He lives in Niskayuna with his fiancée and their five children.
Authorities report that the girl and her baby are being cared for by Child Protective Services.
