Daycare Workers Admit Storing Drugs That Led to Child’s Fatality
New York City – Two Bronx men have pleaded guilty to drug charges and causing bodily harm in connection with the fentanyl poisoning death of a toddler at a daycare center, according to prosecutors.
Fentanyl Stashed in Daycare Playroom
Prosecutors allege that Felix Herrera Garcia, 35, and Parras Paredes, 38, admitted to storing fentanyl within the floorboards of the playroom at the Divino Niño daycare facility in the Bronx. Garcia pleaded guilty on Monday to three felony drug trafficking charges, including possession of narcotics with intent to distribute resulting in serious bodily harm. Prosecutors also secured a guilty plea from Paredes on a similar charge.
Tragic Loss and Additional Overdoses
The fentanyl exposure resulted in the death of 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici. Thankfully, three other children survived after receiving emergency medical intervention with the overdose-reversal medication Narcan.
Escape Attempt and Additional Charges
Following the overdoses, Garcia reportedly fled the United States to Mexico, where he remained at large for approximately two weeks before being apprehended. His wife, believed to be the daycare operator, along with another individual, face separate charges of murder, narcotics possession, and assault.
Potential Sentencing for Garcia and Paredes
Both Garcia and Paredes are facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, as per prosecutors.
