Harvel pleads not guilty in theft case

SANDPOINT — Bonner General Health’s former chief financial officer pleaded not guilty Tuesday to allegations that she embezzled more than $200,000 from the hospital.

Norilina Salvatierra Harvel’s plea sets the stage for a jury trial in 1st District Court in May. However, her defense counsel is seeking civil mediation to bring resolution to the criminal matter, court records show.

Harvel, 47, is free on $50,000 bail while awaiting trial on a charge of grand theft.

Harvel waived her right to a preliminary hearing in Bonner County Magistrate Court earlier this month, which amounted to tacit agreement that the state has enough evidence to force a trial in district court.

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