Toddler’s fentanyl loss of life: Day care owner sentenced to 45 years in prison for

A New York City day care owner has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading responsible to federal drug costs in reference to the fentanyl poisoning of 4 kids, considered one of whom died.
Grei Mendez, 37, who operated the Divino Niño day care out of a Bronx condominium, was sentenced by US District Judge Jed S. Rakoff on Monday. The decide had beforehand imposed the identical sentence on her husband, Felix Herrera-Garcia, who additionally pleaded responsible to drug costs and inflicting bodily hurt. The couple confronted a compulsory minimal of 20 years in prison and a most of life for their crimes.
Mendez pleaded responsible to conspiracy to distribute narcotics ensuing in loss of life. Before sentencing, she expressed regret, saying, “I do want all to know it was an accident. I am very sorry. I hope that someday I may be forgiven.”
The incident occurred on September 15, 2023, when 22-month-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici and three different kids have been uncovered to fentanyl on the day care. Feliz-Dominici was rushed to a hospital, the place he died, whereas the opposite kids survived after receiving Narcan. Investigators later found fentanyl saved on playmats and beneath a trapdoor in the play space, together with drug-packaging supplies.
During sentencing, the sufferer’s mom mentioned it was unimaginable to forgive Mendez, whereas the kid’s father described his enduring ache: “We’re living, but we’re not alive.” Judge Rakoff acknowledged the emotional toll, recalling his personal expertise of dropping a brother to homicide, however emphasised that the regulation should think about a broader perspective. He criticized Mendez for prioritizing the welfare of her household over the security of the youngsters entrusted to her care.
Prosecutors alleged Mendez used the day care as a entrance for drug trafficking. According to court docket paperwork, she initially denied information of the narcotics however later deleted over 20,000 WhatsApp messages from her telephone, together with conversations together with her husband about drug dealings.
“She had the key to helping these children and didn’t use it,” prosecutor Maggie Lynaugh mentioned, noting that Mendez observed Feliz-Dominici was struggling an hour earlier than calling 911. Prosecutors argued she failed to act promptly, withheld vital data from emergency responders, and tried to cowl up the drug operation.
Following the kid’s loss of life, authorities uncovered over 11 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin hidden in compartments beneath the ground, with kitchen utensils used for each meals preparation and drug packaging. One prosecutor recommended that the possible supply of the poisoning was the youngsters’s lunch.
Mendez had beforehand claimed she was unaware of any drug exercise on the day care. “I know that stuff kills,” she advised investigators. However, prosecutors pointed to proof exhibiting she had obtained references from identified drug traffickers when making use of to open the day care. One reference, from Renny Antonio Parra Paredes—who later admitted to packaging narcotics on the website—praised her childcare abilities. Another, from an unnamed particular person, described her as “a lovely caregiver.”
During the sentencing listening to, Mendez pleaded for leniency, saying, “Believe me, this has left me traumatized. Please have some pity toward me.” Her lawyer, Paul King, argued that she had no prior drug-related offenses and had suffered trauma in her personal childhood.
However, prosecutors maintained that she bore “primary responsibility for involving babies” in the narcotics operation. “After tragedy struck, she lied to law enforcement and destroyed evidence in an effort to protect herself and her co-conspirators,” they wrote in court docket filings.
The case has sparked outrage amongst mother and father and officers, elevating questions on how a baby care middle might be used as a drug stash home. The investigation stays ongoing, with authorities inspecting extra connections throughout the drug operation.