Angers, France ? A man charged with raping three of his children took the stand Tuesday in a massive pedophilia trial and sought to pin blame on his father in a case that has horrified France.

Franck V., one of the suspected leaders of a pedophilia ring, conceded he had not always behaved properly with his children.

Franck V. faces 20 years in prison if convicted of raping, sexually abusing and forcing his children into prostitution. He cannot be identified by his full name because of French laws designed to preserve the anonymity of child victims.

In muddled testimony, the defendant charged with 15 rapes — three of his own children — and 18 acts of sexual abuse said he had “taken a pill for nerves so that I don’t lose my mind” before the proceedings.

Under questioning, the father of three acknowledged having fondled his own children one time, but denied any sexual abuse on any others or any repeat offenses.

The case, one of the most shocking in recent memory in France, became known in 2000 when a 16-year-old girl alleged she had been raped by her mother’s boyfriend and his brother.

In all, 39 men and 27 women are accused of participating in a pedophilia ring in which babies and children were allegedly raped, sexually abused and prostituted by their parents for food or money.