UTICA, N.Y. -- The former Oneida County Corrections officer accused of molesting two girls younger than eleven rejected a plea offer from the District Attorney's Office Friday.

Donald Hughes Jr. turned down the offer that would have meant 15 years in prison in exchange for pleading guilty to attempted criminal sex act in the first degree. He faces a number of charges, including four counts of first degree sexual abuse and course of sexual conduct against a child related to contact with two girls who are now ten and 12 years old.

Authorities say the contact happened in the Town of Floyd between December and April.

Hughes' attorney says his client turned down the offer because he fully denies any guilt.

"He's traumatized, he's sad, he's tearful. He regrets very much that he's here. Not regrets because of fault, but simply regrets that he's put in this position with young girls that he loves," said Attorney Richard Bach.

Hughes is due back in court November 3.