FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A woman charged in connection with the starvation death of a 7-year-old boy with special needs pleaded guilty Thursday in Broward County court.

Mirlande Moltimer, 49, changed her plea in the high-profile case tied to the death of Deonte Atwell, who investigators said was starved to death at his home on Christmas Day in 2023.

Atwell weighed just 7 pounds when first responders found him, according to investigators. Prosecutors previously alleged the child was tortured as part of what they believed was a scheme to defraud Medicaid.

During Thursday’s hearing, Broward Circuit Judge Peter Holden asked Moltimer whether she was under the influence before accepting her plea.

“Miss Moltimer, I know you’re in custody, but at this time are you under the influence of any drugs, alcohol or medication?” Holden asked.

“No judge,” Moltimer replied.

Moments later, Holden addressed one of the charges against her.

“Count 15 ma’am, murder in the third degree felony, how do you wish to plead, guilty or no contest?” he asked.

“Guilty,” Moltimer responded softly.

Moltimer was among several people arrested in 2024 in connection with the case, including the child’s mother, Michelle Doe; the boy’s adult brother; his grandfather; and a nurse. Investigators said Moltimer owned a Medicare provider company connected to the allegations.

At one point during the hearing, the judge warned Moltimer about the severity of the possible punishment.

“If my math is correct, that’s 65 years of prison in Florida state that you’re looking at — do you understand that — it’s maximum penalty,” Holden said.

The plea agreement means Moltimer will not face that maximum sentence in state prison. However, she still must serve federal prison time tied to previous convictions connected to the case, followed by seven years of reporting probation.

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