A startling revelation has come to light as authorities uncovered a fentanyl operation within a Bronx Day Care, Divino Niño, leading to the arrest of a fourth suspect, Felix Herrera Garcia, who was charged with two federal narcotics charges on Thursday. This follows the tragic incident that occurred on September 15, where 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici lost his life due to exposure to the hazardous synthetic opioid, fentanyl, in the said facility.
Hidden Fentanyl Operation
Herrera Garcia, the husband of the daycare center owner, Grei Mendez, had initially fled to Mexico following the devastating incident but was apprehended earlier this week. He was brought back to the U.S. on Wednesday night and subsequently arrested, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.
Garcia joins three other individuals who have been charged in relation to this case: his wife, Grei Mendez (36), the owner of the daycare; Carlisto Acevedo Brito (41); and Renny Antonio Parra Paredes (38). U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that the case involves running a hidden "fentanyl mill inside a Bronx daycare."
The events unfolded when Nicholas and three other children fell ill at the Divino Niño daycare center on that fateful day. Mendez promptly called 911 around 2:40 p.m., seeking immediate help. However, before making the emergency call, she contacted Herrera Garcia. Surveillance footage reveals Garcia entering the daycare center and hastily leaving through a back alley, carrying two heavily laden shopping bags, all occurring before the arrival of first responders.
Investigations by the authorities revealed a distressing scene, uncovering a kilogram of fentanyl stored on children's sleeping mats, a kilo press found within the daycare premises, and hidden compartments or "traps" in the floor used for storing drugs. Apart from the tragic loss of young Nicholas, two other children at the center became unresponsive, and another exhibited lethargic behavior and unresponsiveness at home after being picked up.
Legal Proceedings and Representation
The immediate intervention of administering the opioid overdose reversal drug, Narcan, and subsequent hospitalization were critical in dealing with the serious injuries sustained by the affected children. The charges leveled against Herrera Garcia include conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death.
The developments in this case have sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious concerns about the safety of children in daycare facilities. The incident at Divino Niño has unveiled a dark underbelly of illicit drug operations, cleverly concealed within an establishment meant to provide care and safety for children.
Online court records pertaining to Herrera Garcia's case were not available as of Thursday, and it remains unclear whether he has acquired legal representation who could comment on the proceedings.
As the legal process unfolds, this case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the paramount importance of ensuring their safety. It sheds light on the necessity for stringent oversight and regulation of child care facilities to prevent such horrific incidents from reoccurring in the future.
