Recorded Confessions Presented in Correctional Officer's Trial
By: Elsa Gillis
Updated: January 11, 2012
The Mohawk Corrections Officer accused of sexual misconduct with two young girls, testified in front of a jury today. Donald Hughes took to the stand in front of the jury at the very end of the day, maintaining his innocence. He re-counted what he calls his healthy relationships with the girls and denied any intentional inappropriate touching.
Defense Attorney Richard Bach asked, "The allegation is that she touched your penis on that particular day. Did that ever happen?", to which Hughes replied, "No."
He admits to nothing when asked if he did anything to the girls. He also points out that he has had intimacy problems for years, therefore no sex drive, implying he wouldn't do the accused acts. However, police recordings presented by the prosecution tell a different story. After hours of interrogation, Hughes does admit to some inappropriate behavior. While he does not admit to intentionally touching the girls, he says he did guide one of the girls touch him inappropriately.
In the recordings Hughes says: "I'm gonna have to give it to you. Once yea, I did it. I don't know why heat of the moment, stupid to do something like that."
"You're handed guided her down?," asks an investigator.
"Yes somewhat... It was somewhat experimental for me...Wrong thing to do with your grandchild," replies Hughes.
A recording of a phone call was also played for the jury. That call was a conversation from jail between Hughes and his mother. In it he admits to his mother he's in jail for something he did wrong.
The trial is set to continue and finish Thursday January 12.
