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Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – DNA results are inconclusive in the paternity case of a sexual assault survivor who suspects his younger brother may be his son.
In 2015, Logan Gifford, who was 16 at the time, came forward to report sexual assault allegations involving his mother, Doreene Gifford. Logan Gifford initially told police and later testified that his mother began sexually assaulting him when he was 10. Prosecutors alleged Doreene Gifford sexually assaulted her son for several years, later charging her with sexual assault with a minor and incest.
Doreene Gifford maintained her innocence and took an Alford plea on lesser charges, including attempted sex assault. An Alford plea means a defendant does not admit guilt, but believes prosecutors have enough evidence to convince a jury to convict.
Earlier this year, Logan Gifford, who was caring for a younger sibling who is now a teenager, filed a paternity case, asking a judge to order an advanced DNA test to determine who his brother’s father is. On Thursday, test results showed Logan Gifford’s and his father’s DNA both matched 99.9% to the sibling, Logan Gifford said.
The judge offered Logan Gifford the option of pursuing more advanced testing, which could identify his sibling’s biological father.
DNA testing involving a parent and sibling can be difficult, as both Logan Gifford and his brother statistically share the same DNA from their biological parents – should both be the same mother and father.
In 2015, a Clark County judge sentenced Doreene Gifford to 8-20 years in prison, records said. The judge also ordered Doreene Gifford to register as a sex offender. The Nevada Parole Board granted Doreene Gifford parole last July. She was remanded into custody for a parole violation and later released, records showed. She now resides in Massachusetts, according to Logan Gifford.
Nexstar’s KLAS does not identify sexual assault survivors unless they choose to publicly come forward. In that same regard, KLAS is not identifying Logan Gifford’s brother.
RAINN, a national service to combat sexual violence, operates the National Sexual Assault hotline as a resource to victims. Those resources can be reached at: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
