A tragic case in New York has ended with a husband and wife receiving long prison sentences after operating a home day care center that secretly served as a front for a drug trafficking operation.
The illegal activity led to the fatal fentanyl overdose of a 22-month-old toddler and exposed three other children to the deadly substance. Prosecutors say the couple’s actions showed extreme disregard for the safety of the children in their care.
Authorities say the case shocked the community because the facility was officially licensed and trusted by parents. Investigators later discovered large amounts of fentanyl hidden inside the day care, including beneath areas where children played and slept.
Day Care Operators Sentenced After Toddler Dies From Fentanyl Exposure
Two people who ran a home day care in the Bronx have been sentenced to 25 years in prison for their role in the death of 22-month-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici.
The Bronx District Attorney’s Office announced that:
- Grei Mendez, 38, the day care operator
- Felix Herrera Garcia, 37, her husband
received the sentences on March 4.
The fatal incident occurred on September 15, 2023.
Prosecutors say their actions caused the death of Nicholas Dominici and exposed three other young children to fentanyl.
Licensed Day Care Hid Drug Operation
The couple operated a licensed facility called Divino Niño Daycare.
Authorities say the center appeared to be a normal child care facility but was secretly used to store and process narcotics.
Investigators later discovered that large amounts of fentanyl were handled inside the day care using kitchen equipment that was also used to prepare meals for the children.
This created a dangerous environment that ultimately led to the tragic overdose.
Four Children Were Exposed to Fentanyl
On the day of the incident, four children were exposed to fentanyl while at the day care.
The victims included:
- Nicholas Feliz Dominici, 22 months old – died from the exposure
- Abel Garcia, 2 years old
- Kiara Garcia, 8 months old
- Jaziel Lino, 2 years old
Emergency responders treated the three surviving children at the scene before transporting them to a hospital.
Drugs Hidden Under Children’s Playroom
Investigators later uncovered a large drug stash inside the day care.
Authorities found approximately 12 kilograms of fentanyl, heroin, and other narcotics hidden beneath floorboards directly under the children’s playroom and sleeping area.
Additional drugs were also discovered in a closet and elsewhere in the apartment connected to the day care.
Prosecutors say the amount of drugs stored in the building created a highly dangerous environment for the children.
Attempt to Remove Evidence Before Police Arrived
Authorities also revealed disturbing details about what happened after the children became sick.
According to prosecutors, Grei Mendez called her husband before contacting emergency services.
Investigators say she wanted him to remove drugs and related materials from the day care before authorities arrived.
Security video reportedly showed Herrera Garcia walking down an alley carrying weighted bags shortly before first responders reached the scene.
Father Speaks at Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing, Nicholas Dominici’s father spoke about the loss of his son.
He described Nicholas as a happy child who smiled every day.
Holding a picture of his son, he said the couple took away his child’s life and future.
The emotional statement highlighted the devastating impact the case had on the family.
Prosecutor Condemns Couple’s Actions
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark strongly criticized the couple’s actions.
According to the prosecutor, the children were essentially used as shields to hide a narcotics operation.
Clark said the defendants showed extreme cruelty by hiding fentanyl under the floor where the children slept and played.
She added that Nicholas Dominici lost his life because of the couple’s greed.
Already Serving Federal Prison Sentences
In addition to the state sentence, Mendez and Herrera Garcia had previously pleaded guilty in federal court.
They are already serving 45-year federal prison sentences for narcotics trafficking that resulted in the toddler’s death.
Officials confirmed that their state sentences will run at the same time as the federal sentences.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Nicholas Feliz Dominici (22 months) |
| Defendants | Grei Mendez and Felix Herrera Garcia |
| Location | Bronx, New York |
| Incident Date | September 15, 2023 |
| Facility | Divino Niño Daycare |
| Drugs Found | 12 kg of fentanyl, heroin, and other narcotics |
| Other Children Exposed | Three toddlers |
| State Sentence | 25 years in prison |
| Federal Sentence | 45 years (running concurrently) |
