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	Defendant Requests Second DNA Test Pastor Accused in Girl's Pregnancy By Tina A. Brown Hartford Courant February 7, 2007 http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ctreyes0207.artfeb07,0,3803494.story?coll=hc-headlines-local A Hartford pastor charged with sexually assaulting and impregnating an 11-year-old parishioner asked a Superior Court judge Tuesday for a new DNA test he thinks would show he is not the father of a baby the girl delivered last year. Modesto Reyes has maintained his innocence, although previous tests showed with 99 percent certainty he is the baby's father, and even as his lawyer discusses a possible plea bargain with prosecutors. "They have false DNA," Reyes said during a pretrial appearance attended by about 20 of his supporters in Hartford. "I've been asking for DNA tests, and I'm still in jail," Reyes said. Judge Thomas P. Miano told Reyes he should discuss the DNA issue with his lawyer. "I've been asking for eight months," the minister insisted. Defense lawyer William Gerace told Miano he has told Reyes that it is "inappropriate to contest DNA results" until prosecutors offer a plea bargain. The timing of Reyes' request could stall negotiations for a plea bargain that Gerace discussed with prosecutors Tuesday. Gerace said Reyes has until March 15 to accept or reject an offer that would put him in prison for 15 years, followed by 15 years of probation. Reyes was arrested in June 2006 and charged with four counts of first-degree sexual assault. The prosecution alleges that between August and September 2005, Reyes sexually assaulted a girl whose family attended his church. The girl, who has since turned 12, delivered a baby boy last May. Court records show that the DNA tests ordered by the prosecution show there is more than a 99 percent chance that Reyes is the father. "He insists upon his innocence," Gerace said after the hearing. If Reyes continues to press for additional testing, Gerace said he anticipates the prosecutor will end pretrial negotiations and take the case to trial. Requesting a second DNA test before trial is very unusual, Gerace said. "He'll need to accept or reject the offer prior to a new test being done. He's in a position to know whether he is guilty or not. I'm his lawyer, and I'll do what he asks," Gerace said. Assistant State's Attorney Sandra Tullius, who is prosecuting the case, was unavailable to comment for this story. Contact Tina A. Brown at tabrown@courant.com.
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