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Closing Arguments Under Way In NJ Dad's Incest Trial

PATERSON, N.J. (AP) -- Closing statements are under way Monday in the first of five trials for a New Jersey father accused of raping five of his daughters.

Three of the daughters are believed to have given birth to a total of six of his children.

The man, who has pleaded not guilty, has testified that he loved his children and never harmed them.

The defendant faces 8 sexual assault-related charges in the first trial.

His former wife, and a daughter who said she bore him a child, testified that he told them he wanted to create "pure'' family bloodlines.

The Associated Press doesn't identify victims of sexual crimes and is not reporting the names of the man or his former wife to protect the identities of their children, now over 18.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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