LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A decide ordered a DNA take a look at Monday within the paternity case of a sexual assault survivor who suspects his youthful brother could also be his son.
In 2015, Logan Gifford, who was 16 on the time, got here ahead to report sexual assault allegations involving his mom, Doreene Gifford, data mentioned. Logan Gifford initially advised police and later testified that his mom, Doreene Gifford, started sexually assaulting him when he was 10. Prosecutors alleged Doreene Gifford sexually assaulted her son for a number of years, later charging her with sexual assault with a minor and incest.
Doreene Gifford maintained her innocence and took an Alford plea on lesser fees, together with tried intercourse assault. An Alford plea, basically a plea of no contest, means a defendant doesn’t admit guilt, however believes prosecutors have sufficient proof to persuade a jury to convict.
Earlier this 12 months, Logan Gifford, who was caring for a youthful sibling, filed a paternity case, asking a decide to order a sophisticated DNA take a look at to find out who his brother’s father is. On Monday, the decide issued the order for the take a look at, Logan Gifford mentioned.
“The court’s decision to order a DNA test marks a critical step forward in our journey toward truth, healing, and legal clarity,” Logan Gifford mentioned Monday. “It’s what we’ve been aiming for this whole time, and we appreciate the assistance we’ve received to get this far.”
In late 2015, a Clark County decide sentenced Doreene Gifford to 8-20 years in jail, data mentioned. The decide additionally ordered Doreene Gifford to register as a intercourse offender. The Nevada Parole Board granted Doreene Gifford parole final July. She was remanded into custody for a parole violation and later launched, data mentioned.
Earlier than her sentencing in 2015, her legal professional maintained his consumer’s innocence.
“This decision is more than procedural,” Logan Gifford mentioned. “It brings us closer to long-overdue answers and the possibility of medical direction and peace of mind for my brother, whose life has been affected by unanswered questions for far too long. I believe closure is now within reach for both of us. I also want to use this moment to call upon our broader community to begin an open and necessary conversation about the reform needed to support male survivors of sexual assault. We must commit to meaningful training for Child Protective Services (CPS) personnel to better identify and act on the subtle yet serious signs of family-based sexual abuse. Far too many suffer in silence due to systems that fail to recognize their pain.”
It was not instantly clear Monday when the DNA take a look at outcomes can be out there.
8 Information Now doesn’t determine sexual assault survivors except they select to publicly come ahead. In that very same regard, 8 Information Now will not be figuring out Logan Gifford’s brother.
Assets:
Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline: a service of RAINN: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Nevada Sexual Assault Help Providers: 775-221-7600
Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE
