(10/26/06) RIVERHEAD - In an exclusive interview with News 12 Long Island, a North Babylon teacher accused of raping a 15-year-old student claimed he's being framed.

Danny Cuesta, 30, is charged with maintaining a sexual relationship with a student during her sophomore and senior years at North Babylon High School starting in 2003. Cuesta states the girl's father forced her to make the accusation so he could sue the school district. Cuesta adds the girl probably went along with the plan because her father has been abusing her. The girl's own mother says the sexual relationship never happened and is a scam.

The trial has concluded and jury deliberations began nearly three days ago. If convicted, Cuesta could serve more than 30 years behind bars.