Bronx Daycare Owner Sentenced to 45 Years in Fentanyl Death of Toddler

A former daycare owner in the Bronx, New York, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison following the tragic death of a 22-month-old toddler who ingested fentanyl while under her care in September 2023. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York made the announcement on Monday, confirming that Grei Mendez had previously pleaded guilty in October to charges that included conspiracy to distribute narcotics, a crime that directly resulted in a child’s death.

The devastating incident centered around the death of young Nicholas Dominici, who was fatally exposed to fentanyl within the confines of the Divino Niño Daycare facility. Beyond the tragic loss of Dominici, three other children suffered severe injuries and required immediate hospitalization after authorities discovered two unresponsive 2-year-old boys and an 8-month-old girl in the daycare’s basement.

The emotional toll of the case was palpable in the courtroom, as Zoila Dominici, Nicholas’s mother, confronted Mendez directly. The New York Post reported her poignant words, reflecting a grief that seemed inconsolable. "I can never forgive her for what she let happen to my son," Dominici stated, her voice likely filled with a mix of anguish and anger. "Forty-five years is not enough," she added, expressing the sentiment that no punishment could ever truly compensate for the loss of her child. Her final words to Mendez were a powerful declaration: "I do not forgive you. Let God forgive you."

Further details revealed during the pre-sentencing phase painted a disturbing picture of negligence and disregard for the children’s safety. Court filings from the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicated that Mendez had Narcan kits, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, readily available at the daycare. However, she failed to administer this life-saving medication to the children after they were exposed to the fentanyl. Federal prosecutor Maggie Lynaugh emphasized this point in court, stating, "She had the key to helping these children, and she didn’t use it."

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Mendez allegedly failed to inform first responders that the children might be suffering from an opioid overdose when they arrived at the scene. This omission further delayed critical medical intervention and potentially worsened the children’s conditions.

Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, issued a statement highlighting the severity of Mendez’s actions. "Grei Mendez operated a daycare out of a basement apartment in the Bronx in which large quantities of deadly fentanyl were mixed, packaged, and stored," he said. "She put babies as young as eight months old directly in harm’s way as they slept, played, and ate in a room where over 11 kilograms of fentanyl was hidden underneath their feet, leading to the death of one child and the poisoning of others."

Investigations revealed that Mendez and her co-conspirators had been involved in a narcotics distribution operation at the Divino Niño Daycare from around June 2022 through September 2023. They reportedly concealed more than 11 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin in secret compartments, or "traps," located under the floor tiles in the daycare’s playroom, creating an environment of extreme danger for the children in their care.

The courtroom witnessed further displays of grief as prosecutors recounted Nicholas Dominici’s final moments, prompting his mother, Zoila, to break down in tears.

Otoniel Feliz, Dominici’s husband, also addressed the court, expressing the profound impact of their loss. "She let my only son die. She didn’t do anything," Feliz said, his words reflecting a deep sense of betrayal and despair. "We didn’t just lose Nicholas. We lost our life," he added, underscoring the lasting emotional and psychological damage caused by the tragedy.

In her own statement to the court, Mendez attempted to convey remorse, claiming that "it was never my intention" for the children to be poisoned. "I do want all to know it was an accident," she said through a Spanish interpreter. She further claimed to "know the suffering" that the Dominicis were feeling, emphasizing that she is a mother herself and is now separated from her own four children. "Believe me, this has left me traumatized," Mendez stated. "I cannot erase this from my mind."

The investigation into the drug operation has led to multiple arrests. Felix Herrera Garcia, Mendez’s husband, was apprehended in September 2023 in Sinaloa, Mexico, a region known as the base of operations for the Sinaloa drug trafficking cartel, previously led by Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. Other individuals implicated in the conspiracy, including 38-year-old Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, also known as "El Gallo," and Mendez’s neighbor, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, have also been charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. Brito, like Mendez, faces the additional charge of narcotics distribution resulting in death.

Podolsky emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions, stating, "No punishment can make up for a child lost, but today’s sentence sends the message that this Office and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to bring to justice anyone who uses children as a shield in the drug trade."

The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the opioid crisis and the dangers it poses to vulnerable populations, particularly children. The sentencing of Grei Mendez marks a significant step towards justice for Nicholas Dominici and his family, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from the harms of drug trafficking and abuse.