(Memphis) Congressman Steve Cohen spent the last three years treating Victoria Brink like his daughter — taking her to meet the president and getting to know her in DC.
Cohen had an affair with Brink’s mother, and the timeline matched.
“I went back to nine months before and that was the time when we were involved,” said Cohen in an interview when news broke of his alleged daughter.
Brink’s father is actually an oil man from Texas, and he says there was never any doubt.
To make sure, Brink recently did a paternity test on national television.
“The results show Steve Cohen is not my father,” said Brink.
Steve Conn, also known as DNA Steve, says anyone in a situation like Cohen should immediately get a DNA test.
“That`s a common scenario. But now with DNA testing that calls for a quick test and it takes three days and it’s protected under HIPAA regulations so it’s totally confidential,” said Conn.
Attorney Katherine Smith says you can get a paternity test at any time, and it doesn’t matter if it’s for a child or adult. She says it’s especially good to get one if you’re an unmarried dad.
“I would not advise anyone to sign a voluntary knowledge of paternity in the hospital period. There are even DNA clinics in town that will come to the hospital and swab and get a DNA test,” said Smith.
Once a father signs that voluntary knowledge of paternity, the father is obligated to support the child.
Brink says she learned a lesson the hard way.
“Maybe do DNA tests first,” said Brink.
Statement from Steve Cohen:
“I was overjoyed when I was informed that Victoria was my daughter. Since then, I have given her my unconditional love and done my best at being a father as I tried to make up for lost time.
“I was stunned and dismayed when DNA tests disproved what Victoria and I believed about our relationship. I still love Victoria, hold dear the time I have shared with her, and hope to continue to be a part of her life.
“It’s been a roller coaster ride these last three and a half years from which I have learned something about parenting and some more about love, life, and heartache.”
