The owner of a New York day care where a 1-year-old died from fentanyl poisoning and three other children were hospitalized pleaded guilty to federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. Grei Mendez faces a minimum of 20 years in prison. Mendez ran a fentanyl operation along with her husband and a co-conspirator at the Divino Niño daycare center in the Bronx. The children were exposed to fentanyl which was stored at the daycare in hidden compartments. Mendez attempted to cover up the drug operation as the children suffered after exposure. The incident sparked public outcry and led to increased scrutiny of New York City day care centers and a backlog of background checks for child care providers. The city officials vowed to protect children following the incident. This tragic case highlights the collateral damage caused by the fentanyl epidemic and the risks innocent bystanders face due to illegal drug activities. It also underscored the importance of stringent regulations and oversight in ensuring the safety of children in day care facilities. Mendez’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and the necessity of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
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The owner has admitted guilt to federal charges
