A dentist in North Carolina accused of driving drunk and killing a woman who was walking her dog near her home in 2025 was sentenced, according to a story published on October 31 in the Raleigh News & Observer.
Dr. Michael Kenneth Bielinski, 72, was sentenced on October 30 to two years plus three months in prison for the death of 76-year-old Ann Swenson. Additionally, Bielinski, who pleaded guilty in July to felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired, was sentenced to three years of probation, according to the story.
At about 4:30 p.m. on December 1, 2025, Swenson was walking her dog when Bielinski veered off the road and struck her. Swenson’s body was thrown about 75 feet. She had multiple injuries, including a brain bleed, and died a few days later.
After the accident, Bielinski stayed at the scene and took responsibility for the crash. At the time, he had a blood alcohol level of 0.08, according to the story.
The judge determined Bielinski’s sentence based on his safe driving record, his cooperation with authorities, his health issues, and the loss of a child in 2020. Also, he made substantial restitution to Swenson's family and completed treatment for unspecified health concerns, according to the story.
After his prison term, Bielinski will be subject to continuous alcohol monitoring for the first year. He cannot have a driver’s license until he completes his probation. Furthermore, Bielinski is prohibited from possessing or using controlled substances or illegal drugs, according to the story.
