A 33-year-old New York man accused of raping a tween girl reportedly claimed she got pregnant from his clothes.

Police have accused Robert Cronin, 33, of raping and impregnating an 11-year-old girl sometime between February and March 2018. WTEN reported that the victim recently had the baby; DNA testing confirmed Cronin is the father.

While Cronin didn’t deny paternity, he reportedly denied raping and impregnating the 11-year-old during a jailhouse interview with WTEN. According to the news station, he claimed the victim had used a piece of clothing that he had masturbated with, resulting in her pregnancy.

Cronin admitted that he could understand why his explanation isn’t believable.

“When I found out, everything around me just collapsed because I knew what this would lead to,” Cronin told WRGB, recalling how he felt when he learned of the girl’s pregnancy. “I don’t want to be known for a crime I didn’t commit,” he said.

Niskayuna police told the Times Union that they were made aware of the girl’s pregnancy two months ago after someone called a tip into their child abuse hotline.

Cronin, who police said doesn’t have a criminal record, reportedly lives with his fiancé and their 5 children in Niskayuna. Police said Cronin and the victim knew one another, though the nature of their relationship is unclear.

Cronin was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and sexual assault against a child younger than 13. He’s currently jailed without bail.

Meanwhile, WRGB reported that the 11-year-old and her baby are in the care of Child Protective Services.

[Featured image: Robert Cronin/Niskayuna Police Department]