Bonner County midwife given 30 days and probation

December 11, 2021

Denise Midstokke

Former Bonner County midwife Denise Elizabeth Midstokke, 64, will spend 30 days in jail, 100 hours of community service and five years supervised probation after First District Judge Lamont Berecz on Tuesday accepted the Alford plea and Rule 11 agreement she entered into October 6, admitting to practicing medicine without a license, a felony.

Under an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but agrees the evidence against them would be enough to prove them guilty. Under a Rule 11 agreement, the court is obligated to abide by the agreement or the defendant may withdraw the plea.

She will also pay $15,173.56 in fines, fees and costs.

The court also withheld judgment, meaning the conviction is not entered and may be avoided if the defendant meets all terms and conditions of the sentence imposed.

Midstokke, 64, was originally charged June 2 with involuntary manslaughter in the January 26 death of a newborn and destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence in the months following, both felonies.

As part of the plea agreement, Midstokke, owner of Pend Oreille Midwifery Services, 723 Pine Street, Sandpoint, agreed not to seek re-licensure must divest herself from all interest in her business, Pend Oreille Midwifery Services, as well as successor businesses such as the Sandpoint Community Birth Center.

"Ms. Midstokke will not, during her probation or thereafter, provide or be involved either personally, professionally or financially providing, medical services of any kind whatsoever," Judge Berecz ordered.