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Unlicensed midwife sentenced after newborn's death in Sullivan County

LEGAL NEWSLINE

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Unlicensed midwife sentenced after newborn's death in Sullivan County

State AG
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Attorney General Michelle Henry | Official Website

Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the sentencing of Brigitte Meckes, who acted as a midwife without a medical license during a 2022 home birth in Sullivan County. Meckes has been sentenced to serve between 8 years and 8 months to 17 years and 4 months in prison. The jury found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and related charges following the death of an infant.

During the birth, Meckes failed to seek emergency medical care for the newborn despite clear signs of distress. Instead, she and the child's mother attempted unconventional methods to treat the child, who died approximately two days later. Sullivan County President Judge Russel Shurtleff imposed the sentence, noting that Meckes showed no remorse for her role in the child's death.

"This defendant had the means and time to simply pick up a phone and call for aid for a helpless baby who desperately needed it," Attorney General Henry stated. "That makes this case even more tragic — that the people who should have been helping instead let the child die."

The prosecution presented evidence showing that Meckes and the baby's parents, Drew and Amy Hoenigke, were aware of the baby's critical condition but failed to contact emergency services. Text messages revealed their awareness of the situation as it unfolded.

In July, Meckes was convicted on multiple charges including involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child. The baby's parents had previously pleaded guilty and received sentences for their involvement.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Jaime Keating prosecuted these cases.

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