Daycare operator pleads guilty after child dies from fentanyl

November 4, 2024

Gray Mendez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute drugs resulting in death and serious bodily injury and two counts of drug possession

In September 2023, a 1-year-old boy died, three more children were hospitalized after succumbs to to fentanyl. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with drug busts at a Bronx daycare. The woman who operated the facility pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute drugs resulting in death and serious bodily injury and two counts of drug possession on Oct. 29.

According to PeopleGray Mendes, who ran Divino Niño Children’s Center, where the children were exposed to the deadly fentanyl, is scheduled to appear in court again for sentencing next March 3 at 2 p.m.

In a written statement, This was stated by US Attorney Damian Williams. “Gray Mendes just pleaded guilty to conspiring to store and distribute large quantities of dangerously toxic fentanyl at a Bronx daycare where parents hoped their children would be protected and safe. Mendez’s reprehensible behavior resulted in the needless and tragic death of a child and the poisoning of three others. From the start, this case has shown the senseless collateral damage caused by the fentanyl epidemic and should remind us all that the demand for illegal drugs so often puts innocent bystanders at risk while drug traffickers ruthlessly pursue profits. This office will continue to protect New Yorkers from the serious threat that fentanyl poses.”

Nicholas Dominici died on September 15, 2023, and three other children, ages 8 months to 2 years, who were exposed to the fentanyl were taken to the hospital. They were treated with Narcan and recovered.

According to ABC Newsthere were police officers told about the hatch in the floor The Bronx the kindergarten where Dominici died. During the search, the police found a large amount of fentanyl, other narcotics and means of their use.

As part of the ongoing investigation into the overdose death at a daycare center in the Bronx on September 15, 2023, a search warrant was executed @NYPDDetectives. A large amount of fentanyl, other drugs, and drug paraphernalia were found in the trap floor in the daycare’s play area. pic.twitter.com/ZwaeukUHqS

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 21, 2023

Three other people were charged in connection with the crimes: Carlisto Acevedo Brito, Rennie Antonio Parra Paredes and Herrera Garcia. On October 16, Garcia was condemned up to 45 years in prison for his involvement in the death of Dominici and the poisoning of other children, as well as for trafficking fentanyl from a daycare center. Garcia pleaded guilty June 10 before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

On October 12, 2023, Acevedo Brito pleaded not guilty to federal charges and is awaiting trial. Parra Paredes begged guilty of one count of conspiracy to sell narcotics causing death and grievous bodily harm.