A New York City daycare owner has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after a 1-year-old in her care died from exposure to fentanyl. Grei Mendez, 37, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and serious bodily injury, along with two drug possession charges. The case stemmed from the September 2023 death of 22-month-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici and the poisoning of three other children at the Divino Niño daycare in the Bronx.
Authorities discovered that Mendez and her co-conspirators were using the daycare as a narcotics stash house between June 2022 and September 2023. Investigators found over 11 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin stored in hidden compartments beneath floor tiles in the playroom. One kilogram of fentanyl was kept above children’s play mats, leading to the tragic incident.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York announced Mendez’s sentencing on March 3, also stating that she will serve five years of supervised release. Prosecutors emphasized the severity of the case, pointing out that Mendez endangered the lives of multiple children while running a drug operation.
Mendez’s cousin, 41-year-old Carlisto Acevedo Brito, was also arrested and charged with assault, criminal possession of a controlled substance, narcotic drug possession, endangering the welfare of a child, and manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty to federal charges in October 2023 and remains in legal proceedings.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated that while no punishment can replace the life of a child, the sentencing reinforces the commitment of law enforcement to holding individuals accountable for crimes that put children at risk. Authorities continue to investigate and prosecute cases involving the use of children as a cover for illegal activities.
For those suspecting child abuse, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline provides confidential, 24/7 support in more than 170 languages at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or online at www.childhelp.org.
