Daycare Owner Pleads Guilty in Toddler’s Shocking Death

Plead guilty

A Bronx daycare owner pleads guilty to federal charges after a toddler dies from fentanyl exposure, revealing a sinister drug operation beneath a façade of child care.

At a Glance

  • Grei Mendez, owner of Divino Niño Daycare, admitted to conspiring to distribute fentanyl at the facility.
  • A 22-month-old toddler died and three other children were hospitalized due to fentanyl exposure.
  • Authorities found over 11 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin hidden in the daycare.
  • Mendez faces a minimum of 20 years to life in prison for her role in the drug operation.

Day Care Owner Admits to Drug Conspiracy

In a shocking turn of events, Grei Mendez, the owner of Divino Niño Daycare in the Bronx, has pleaded guilty to all federal charges related to a fentanyl exposure incident that resulted in the death of a toddler and the hospitalization of three other children. The case has exposed a disturbing drug trafficking operation that used the daycare center as a front, highlighting the devastating consequences of the ongoing fentanyl epidemic.

Mendez admitted to conspiring to maintain and distribute large quantities of fentanyl at the day care facility, which cared for children aged 8 months to 2 years. The incident occurred in September 2023, when a 22-month-old toddler tragically died after ingesting the deadly drug. Three other children were rushed to the hospital and fortunately survived after being treated with Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication.

Extensive Drug Operation Uncovered

Law enforcement’s investigation revealed a startling amount of narcotics and drug paraphernalia hidden throughout the daycare center. Authorities discovered a kilogram-sized brick of fentanyl, two press machines, and drugs concealed beneath play areas. In total, over eleven kilograms of fentanyl and heroin were found stored in secret compartments within the facility.

The daycare had been used as a secret stash house for drug operations by Mendez’s husband, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, since at least 2022. Mendez acknowledged her role in helping package and store drugs in the Bronx apartment where the daycare was located, describing it as the “perfect way to conceal his drug business.”

Legal Consequences and Broader Implications

Mendez now faces a minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison for her charges. Her husband, Brito, has already been sentenced to 45 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death and related conspiracy charges. The severity of these sentences reflects the gravity of their crimes and the tragic loss of innocent life.

This case has led to increased scrutiny of New York City daycare centers and highlighted a backlog in background checks for childcare providers. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting our most vulnerable citizens from the far-reaching effects of the drug trade. As communities grapple with the ongoing fentanyl crisis, this tragic incident underscores the critical importance of thorough vetting processes and stringent oversight in childcare facilities.

Sources:

  1. Owner of Bronx daycare where toddler died of fentanyl exposure pleads guilty
  2. Owner of Bronx daycare where toddler died after ingesting fentanyl pleads guilty to federal charges
  3. Owner of NYC daycare where toddler died from fentanyl pleads guilty to federal charges

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