GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The final chapter of an unusual case that grabbed international attention and stirred debate among bloggers is slated to play out today: A Grand Forks mother who police say was "extremely intoxicated" while breastfeeding her
6-week-old will be sentenced on a charge of child neglect.
Stacey Anvarinia, 26, pleaded guilty in state district court in June.
In the early morning of Feb. 13, Grand Forks police responded to a domestic disturbance at Anvarinia's home and saw her slurring her speech and breastfeeding, a prosecutor said.
Officers concerned about the infant's welfare called Grand Forks Altru Hospital and were told that breastfeeding while intoxicated was not good for the child, according to a police report.
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Anvarinia was told this, but continued to make attempts to breastfeed, police said.
With that, the child was taken to Altru, and Anvarinia, who was not given a blood-alcohol test, was taken into custody. She bailed out shortly after her arrest.
Authorities have emphasized that breastfeeding while drunk was not the sole reason for her arrest. Prosecutor Carmell Mattison has said Anvarinia was intoxicated to the point of not being able to care for her child.
Anvarinia faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The Grand Forks Herald and The Forum are both owned by Forum Communications Co.
