Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse which some readers may find distressing.
A resident of Las Vegas has come forward with allegations against his mother, claiming she sexually abused him during his childhood. He recently underwent DNA testing to determine if his younger brother might actually be his son.
Logan Gifford, now 26, first publicly accused his mother, Doreene Gifford, of the abuse when he was 16 years old in 2015, revealing that the abuse began when he was just 10.
In the same year, Doreene Gifford was found guilty of attempted sexual assault, incest, and lewd acts with a child under 14, resulting in a prison sentence of eight to 20 years.
Despite the conviction, she claimed innocence and entered an Alford plea, which allows a defendant to concede that sufficient evidence exists to likely result in a conviction, without admitting guilt (via PEOPLE).
Now a registered sex offender in Nevada, Logan shared with 8 News Now: “Sending her to prison was halfway vindicating since I thought the largest problem of my life was originally dealt with.”
After being released on parole in July 2024, Gifford was again detained in January for breaching her parole conditions by contacting Logan.
Logan mentions that she now resides in Massachusetts, as her latest arrest did not result in her inclusion in Clark County’s inmate database.
Logan has taken responsibility for his 15-year-old brother, who was born when Logan was 11. His brother requires additional support at home and in school due to disabilities.
Earlier this year, Logan requested a DNA paternity test from a Clark County Family Court judge, suspecting the possibility that his brother could be his son.
Recent DNA test results did not provide the clarity Logan was seeking.
The results, reported by 8 News Now, were inconclusive, showing a 99.9 percent match with both Logan and his father. This is because both parent and sibling share half of their DNA with the child, complicating the determination of biological relationships.
Judge Vincent Ochoa, during a hearing on Thursday (July 31), noted the results were expected, stating (via The Las Vegas Review-Journal): “I think we should have known that was going to come out that way from the very beginning.”
In response, the judge has offered the possibility of more comprehensive DNA testing to achieve a definitive result.
Logan is now seeking full custody of his brother, as detailed on his GoFundMe page: “I believe he might be my son, a haunting possibility tied to the abuse I suffered around the time he was conceived.”
He further explained on the page: “The funds raised here will go toward legal fees for the custody and paternity battle, care for my brother, and advocacy efforts to amplify male survivors’ voices. Every bit helps, whether it’s a donation or just sharing this story.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned or wish to speak confidentially about child welfare concerns, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is available 24/7 and takes calls from the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.