Birth Center Staff Faced Court Over Infant Death
Two individuals were charged following the death of a newborn in Fort Collins earlier this year.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Althea Hrdlichka and Brecklen Ables appeared in court after being arrested on September 1 in connection with the February 2026 death of a newborn at Tender Gifts Birth and Wellness Center. The defendants face charges related to tampering with evidence and attempting to influence a public servant.
Why it matters
The arrests follow an investigation by state health and regulatory departments into medical practices at the facility. Authorities uncovered evidence of complications during a 2026 delivery, as well as a separate similar incident from 2025.
The defendants were arrested on September 1 and held their first court appearance on September 24. They face charges of tampering with physical evidence and attempting to influence a public servant, with Hrdlichka facing an additional forgery charge.
The players
Althea Hrdlichka
She is a defendant in the criminal case who faces charges of forgery, tampering with evidence, and attempting to influence a public servant.
Brecklen Ables
She is a defendant in the criminal case who faces charges of tampering with physical evidence and attempting to influence a public servant.
Tender Gifts Birth and Wellness Center
This is the Fort Collins facility currently under investigation by state agencies following the death of an infant.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
This state agency is responsible for overseeing health facility safety standards and is investigating the incident.
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
This department is currently conducting an investigation into the practices at the birth center.
The details
During a February 8 birth, an infant suffered shoulder dystocia at the center, prompting staff to call 911. Police subsequently seized client records during a hospital transfer as part of an investigation into the facility's operations.
Timeline
A similar incident was uncovered by police in 2025.
The infant died at the facility on February 8, 2026.
Hrdlichka and Ables were arrested on September 1, 2026.
The defendants held their initial court appearance on September 24, 2026.
A follow-up court appearance is set for November 19, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the pattern set by the 2026 state-led investigation into Tender Gifts Birth and Wellness Center. The judicial proceedings reflect ongoing state oversight efforts aimed at ensuring medical compliance at local wellness facilities.
The ongoing state investigation into the facility serves as a reminder for local residents to verify the regulatory status of medical centers. Public health officials continue to coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure safety compliance across birth centers.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of state regulatory oversight in private wellness facilities. Patients should remain informed about the certification and investigative history of medical service providers.
What happens next
The defendants are scheduled to appear in court again on November 19, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal proceedings in the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Coloradoan.
