The death of a 1-year-old child leads to charges in a fentanyl operation at a daycare.
Felix Herrera Garcia, the husband of the owner of a Bronx daycare center, was charged with federal narcotics offenses after his 1-year-old child, Nicholas Dominici, died from fentanyl exposure at the Divino Niño daycare. The child, along with three other children, was hospitalized after coming into contact with the powerful synthetic opioid on September 15. Authorities said the exposure was a result of fentanyl being present inside the daycare center.
Herrera Garcia had fled to Mexico following the death, but was apprehended earlier this week. He was returned to the United States on Wednesday evening and arrested upon arrival. His arrest brings the total number of individuals charged in connection with the operation to four, including his wife Grei Mendez, who owns the daycare center, as well as Carlisto Acevedo Brito and Renny Antonio Parra Paredes.
Authorities discovered a 1-kilogram package of fentanyl, which field-tested positive for the drug, as well as two “kilo press” machines, which are used for pressing and packaging narcotics. Investigators believe the daycare center was being used to run a hidden drug operation, which had placed the children in immediate danger. The drugs found were enough to cause serious harm, further underscoring the grave situation at the daycare.
Mendez, the daycare owner, was initially charged along with Acevedo Brito and Parra Paredes. Law enforcement noted that the daycare was not a typical daycare operation but was being exploited as a front for running a fentanyl operation. The presence of drugs at such a facility raised alarms about the safety of the children under care, and authorities believe the operation may have been ongoing for some time.
The tragic death of Nicholas Dominici highlights the increasing dangers of fentanyl in communities, especially in environments that should be safe for children. In response to the incident, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that the daycare center was effectively being used as a “fentanyl mill,” with dangerous consequences for the children attending. The charges brought against the individuals reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
While authorities have yet to confirm how long the daycare was involved in the illegal operation, the discovery of such a large quantity of fentanyl at the center raises concerns about other potential victims. The daycare, which was operating in a residential area, could have been exposing many more children and families to serious harm. Law enforcement continues to investigate the full extent of the operation.
This case underscores the ongoing epidemic of fentanyl-related deaths across the United States and the need for increased vigilance in preventing such operations from operating under the guise of legitimate businesses. The legal proceedings against those charged are expected to unfold in the coming months as investigators continue to gather evidence and build the case.
