A Florida healthcare company owner will serve time in both state and federal prison after pleading guilty in connection with the starvation death of a 7-year-old disabled boy.
Child Weighed Only 7 Pounds at Death
Authorities said Deonte Atwell died on Christmas Day 2023 after suffering from severe malnutrition.
Investigators said the child, who had major medical needs requiring constant care, weighed only 7 pounds when he died.
Business Owner Pleads Guilty
Mirlande Moltimer, owner of Samaritin Home Health Care, pleaded guilty to several charges including:
- Third-degree murder
- Aggravated manslaughter of a child
- Medicaid provider fraud
- Child neglect
She had also previously pleaded guilty in federal court to healthcare fraud resulting in death.
Authorities Say Care Was Never Provided
Prosecutors said Moltimer and others falsely billed Medicaid for around-the-clock nursing care that the child allegedly never received.
Officials stated investigators later found 264 unopened bottles of feeding formula inside the Fort Lauderdale home after Deonte’s death.
According to prosecutors, emergency responders found the child severely malnourished, with evidence showing he had likely been dead for some time before 911 was called.
Prison Sentence and Restitution Ordered
A judge sentenced Moltimer to:
- 20 months in state prison
- 16 months in federal prison
- Seven years of probation afterward
She was also ordered to pay more than $25,000 in restitution.
Other Defendants Still Facing Charges
Authorities said several others connected to the case still face criminal charges, including:
- Cassandre Lassegue
- Michelle Doe
- Tyreck Irvin
Their cases remain pending.
