Former Bronx Daycare Owner Receives 45-Year Sentence for Toddler’s Fentanyl Death

A former daycare owner from the Bronx has been sentenced to 45 years in prison following a tragic incident where a toddler died after ingesting fentanyl while under her care. The sentencing was announced on Monday by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Grei Mendez, the owner of Divino Niño Daycare, pleaded guilty to several charges in October, including conspiracy to distribute narcotics that resulted in death. This case is a haunting reminder of the dangers lurking in seemingly safe environments.

The Tragic Incident

In September 2023, 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici suffered a fatal overdose during his time at the daycare. Investigations revealed that Nicholas, along with three other children, had unknowingly been exposed to fentanyl. The other three children, two toddlers and an infant, required hospitalization after being discovered unresponsive.

Emotional Courtroom Testimony

The courtroom was filled with emotion as Nicholas’s mother, Zoila Dominici, confronted Mendez. She expressed her profound grief and anger, stating she could never forgive Mendez for the loss of her son.

During her testimony, Dominici declared that 45 years was insufficient punishment for Mendez’s actions. “It is not possible to forgive something like this. I do not forgive you. Let God forgive you,” she tearfully stated.

Mendez’s Negligence

According to court filings presented before sentencing, Mendez was in possession of Narcan kits at the daycare but chose not to use them to revive the children. This critical point was highlighted by federal prosecutor Maggie Lynaugh, who stated in court that Mendez had the means to help the children but failed to act.

First responders were not informed of the possibility of an opioid overdose, which further highlights Mendez’s negligence during the crisis. The Acting United States Attorney Matthew Podolsky remarked on the dangers children faced in the daycare, where large quantities of fentanyl were mixed and stored.

A Pattern of Drug Distribution

Over the course of approximately 15 months, Mendez and her associates conspired to distribute narcotics from the daycare. Law enforcement officials uncovered more than 11 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin concealed in secret compartments beneath the daycare’s playroom floor.

The Impact on Families

The tragic loss of Nicholas has left deep scars on his family. Otoniel Feliz, Nicholas’s father, expressed his devastation in court, stating, “She let my only son die. We didn’t just lose Nicholas. We lost our life.” His weighty words resonate with the reality faced by families affected by the opioid crisis.

A Disturbing Reflection

Mendez’s comments during the trial indicated her awareness of the gravity of the situation. She offered an apology in court, using a Spanish interpreter, stating it was never her intention for the children to be harmed and described the ordeal as a tragic accident. Mendez reportedly expressed her own trauma from the incident, as a mother herself with four children.

Drug Trade Connections

Mendez’s husband, Felix Herrera Garcia, was arrested in September 2023 in Sinaloa, Mexico, a region known for its ties to drug trafficking. Authorities also apprehended two of Mendez’s associates involved in the narcotics operation, underlining the extensive network connected to her daycare.

The charges against her co-conspirators included conspiracy to distribute narcotics that resulted in death, demonstrating the serious implications of this case. Each element of this tragic story illustrates the alarming intersections of drug trafficking and child safety.

Justice Served, But at What Cost?

Despite the 45-year sentence handed down to Mendez, the painful reality remains that no punishment can restore the lost innocence of a child. The prosecutor emphasized that today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to those who would use children as shields in the dangerous drug trade.

This case highlights the need for stringent regulations and monitoring in daycare facilities to ensure children’s safety and well-being. The tragic incident is not just a personal loss for one family but a societal failure that requires urgent attention to prevent future occurrences.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this case, there remains a need for ongoing dialogue about the safety of children in care facilities across the country. The loss of life should prompt legislative and regulatory changes to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

This terrible event has sparked discussions regarding addiction prevention and awareness programs aimed at educating caregivers and parents alike. Efforts must be made to combat the opioid crisis and prevent further tragic incidents that endanger children.

Ultimately, while justice has been served in this case, the repercussions of Grei Mendez’s actions will be felt for years to come, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance in protecting our children from harm.