KITTERY, Maine — Former Town Councilor Dennis Estes said he has "no clue at all" why former Town Council Chairman Gary H. Reiner mentioned him while testifying during Reiner's prostitution and money laundering trial in federal court last week.

"I don't know why he would be using my name," Estes said. "I never had any meeting of any sort with Mr. Reiner in regard to issues with that. I don't know why he would even say that."

Reiner, who was ultimately convicted on all counts, mentioned Estes and other town officials when prosecutors interrogated him over who he had met with pertaining to "community relations" for the Danish Health Club.

During earlier testimony, prosecutors had introduced evidence including bills Reiner sent to club bookkeeper Mary Ann Manzoli for legal services relevant to the so-called "community relations." Manzoli, the widow of former club owner Leo Manzoli, pleaded guilty to her own involvement in the club.

In addition to Estes, on the witness stand Reiner also mentioned former Town Council Chairman Mark J. Sousa and Police Chief Edward Strong while testifying about the club's "community relations." Strong has denied ever having such meetings.

Having fought many legal battles with the town over the years, Reiner testified the Manzolis had asked him to "keep an ear to the ground" and monitor Town Council and Planning Board meetings.

Estes served two stints on the council, the first from 1984 to 1989, the second from 1998 to 2004. He said his first stint on the council overlapped with Reiner's by one year, noting Reiner left the council in 1985.

Estes said he couldn't recall Reiner, who in his official capacity served as the Danish Health Club's lawyer, coming before the council with any significant issues while Estes was serving on the council in the 1980s.

Estes said he recalled reading news reports over a legal battle the club had with the town over the billboard sign on the top of its building, but noted the issue came up after he had left the council in 1989.

"I've got nothing to hide," Estes said. "I don't know that I'm sorry for him if he was that involved," Estes said commenting on testimony during Reiner's trial. "I feel sorry for his wife, his two sons and daughter."

Estes said he was supportive of the current Town Council's efforts to have the state attorney general conduct an investigation into any possible role town officials could have had with the club "if for no other reason than to clear the council and the (police) department's name."

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