California Man, 60,

Assaults 7-year-old Girl

By Ahmar Khan

ST. MARY’S TODAY

LEONARDTOWN -- A 60-year-old California man has been charged with sexually and physically assaulting a seven-year-old girl of his friends at their home in Lexington Park.

According to St. Mary’s Sheriff department report of May 4, the assault happened Vernon J. Gifford of 23215 Potter Dr. sexually assaulted the girl at the basement room of her parents Sandstone Street home when the two families were having a dinner party on April 21.

The victim and Gifford were seated on a couch watching television, with none else in the room, when the two began poking each other in a playful manner.

The playful poking led to Gifford allegedly tickling the victim through her clothing. “The defendant proceeded to tickle the victim’s person to include her torso, legs and thigh area,” the sheriff’s report said.

The report said Gifford proceeded to place his hands inside the victim’s skirt began touching her private parts, “skin to skin.” The defendant continued to rub and touch the victim’s private parts with his fingers for approximately 15 seconds to one minute. The defendant then ended the assault and requested the child “please not tell anybody.”

The victim reported the offense to her parents, who contacted police to report the offense. Gifford was located and interviewed regarding this investigation. He allegedly acknowledged committing the sexual offense on the victim as she described how it occurred.

Gifford allegedly told police the sexual offense was a “one time” incident that occurred out of curiosity.

Police think Gifford did not sexually or physically assault the girl prior to the April 21 acts.

He has been charged with felony sexual and physical assaults and a preliminary hearing of the case will take place on June 2.