The husband of the owner of the New York City day care where a 1-year-old died of fentanyl poisoning pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges, officials said.
In September 2023, Felix Herrera Garcia was seen fleeing the Bronx day care out a back alley, carrying two heavy shopping bags while children were suffering from the effects of fentanyl, officials said. Herrera Garcia fled to Mexico after the death and was eventually arrested in Mexico after a weeklong manhunt.
A 1-year-old boy, Nicholas Dominici, died, and three other children, ranging in age from 8 months to 2 years, were hospitalized and treated with Narcan, police said.
Herrera Garcia, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death, one count of possession with intent to distribute resulting in death and one count of possession with intent to distribute resulting in serious bodily injury, officials said.
All three counts carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
*FILE* – Bronx Daycare owner Grei Mendez and her husband Felix Herrera-Garcia (pictured in yellow) and her cousin Carlisto Acevedo-Brito appeared in Court today with the parents of deceased 1yr old boy Nicholas Dominici in the Bronx Oct. 5, 2023.
Theodore Parisienne, NY Daily News via Getty Images
Fentanyl was stored, in part, in a trapdoor beneath the day care floor, officials said. Investigators also found a kilo of fentanyl stored on kids’ play mats, according to court documents.
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Herrera Garcia’s wife, Grei Mendez, pulled their 2-year old son from her own day care prior to the incident after she worried he was exhibiting signs of fentanyl exposure. Mendez never reported the suspected exposure to police, according to sources, and did not allow the boy to return to the facility. However, she kept the day care open for other children.
Cases are pending against Mendez and her cousin.
A tragic incident has come to light as a man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection to the death of a baby at a day care owned by his wife. The heartbreaking case has shocked the community and raised questions about the safety and regulation of child care facilities.
The incident occurred at a day care center owned by the man’s wife, where the baby was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. The man, who was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility, has now admitted to federal charges related to the child’s death.
The details of the case are still emerging, but it appears that there were serious lapses in supervision and care at the day care center. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that child care facilities are held to the highest standards of safety and accountability.
The man’s guilty plea is a step towards justice for the family of the deceased baby, but it also raises important questions about the oversight of day care centers. It is crucial that parents feel confident in the safety and well-being of their children while in the care of others, and incidents like this highlight the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the child care industry.
As this case continues to unfold, it is important for authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death and hold those responsible accountable. The safety and protection of children should always be a top priority, and tragedies like this serve as a wake-up call for the need for greater vigilance in ensuring the well-being of our most vulnerable members of society.
In the wake of this devastating event, it is essential for parents to thoroughly research and vet child care facilities before entrusting their children to their care. By staying informed and advocating for stricter regulations in the child care industry, we can work towards preventing future tragedies and ensuring that all children are safe and protected while in daycare.
