Daycare Owner Sentenced Fentanyl Death

Grei Mendez, owner of Divino Niño Daycare in the United States — The Bronx, United States — New York City, was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal drug charges, including conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. The charges stem from the death of 22-month-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici, who fatally ingested fentanyl at the daycare in September 2023. Three other children were also exposed to fentanyl but survived after receiving Naloxone. Mendez's husband, Felix Herrera-Garcia, received the same 45-year sentence for his role in the drug operation. Prosecutors revealed that large quantities of fentanyl and heroin were stored in secret compartments beneath the daycare's floor, and the couple used the same utensils for drug packaging and preparing children's food. Mendez was accused of ignoring clear warning signs of the children's illness, delaying calling 911, and attempting to cover up the incident by destroying evidence. The case drew national attention to the dangers of fentanyl and prompted increased scrutiny of daycare facilities.