Sentenced for Fentanyl Poisoning of a Toddler

Authorities sentenced Felix Herrera Garcia, the husband of a Bronx daycare owner, to 45 years in prison for his role in the fentanyl poisoning that allegedly killed 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici and injured three children. other children. He initially pleaded guilty in June, according to New York Times.

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Details on Man’s Sentence After Fentanyl Poisoning Killed a Child at a Bronx Daycare

The court sentenced Felix Herrera Garcia to 45 years in prison for distributing drugs that allegedly caused the child’s death. As TSR previously reported, Grei Mendez first contacted her husband after discovering that the 1-year-old boy, Nicholas Dominici, was “unresponsive.” When Garcia arrived, he allegedly took items from the daycare’s basement before fleeing from police.

Authorities charged Felix Herrera Garcia, his wife Grei Mendez and two others with fentanyl poisoning at a Divino Niño daycare on September 15, 2023. Grei Mendez’s case is still pending and she entered a plea of ​​not guilty, according to New York Post Office. Herrera Garcia’s cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, also pleaded not guilty. In contrast, the fourth defendant, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the drug ring and is currently awaiting sentencing.

NBC News reported that 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici was dead while two other children were unconscious. Another child became comatose at home after being picked up. Prosecutors allege the daycare handled fentanyl on site. Prosecutors said the surviving children needed Narcan to reverse the overdose, according to a report. criminal complaint. From October 2022 to September 2023, Felix Herrera Garcia and others allegedly sold drugs from the daycare, hiding more than 11 kilograms of fentanyl in secret traps under the floor of the playroom where the children spent time. time.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams criticized Felix Herrera Garcia for exposing infants to fentanyl.

“This case demonstrates the deadly reach and scope of the fentanyl epidemic and the profound toll it is taking on American lives, including the lives of the most vulnerable,” Williams said in a statement. among us”. “This office and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who harms or endangers the lives of children involved in drug activities Their deadly drugs will be brought to justice.”

The boy’s mother reacts to the verdict as Felix Herrera Garcia seeks forgiveness

Zolla Dominci, the mother of Nicholas Dominici, who died of fentanyl poisoning at a Bronx daycare, described the tragedy as “every parent’s nightmare,” as noted by the New York Post. The newspaper added that Felix Herrera Garcia received his sentence a week before Nicholas Domici turned three years old.

“I can tell you one thing for sure, celebrating your child’s birthday in a cemetery is not an easy thing,” Zolla spoke in Manhattan court as Herrera Garcia received his sentence.

During his sentencing, Felix Garcia asked Nicholas Dominici’s family to finally forgive him. He admitted that his apology might not carry much weight but it had deep meaning to him.

“I knew this wouldn’t be easy, but I asked if they could forgive me,” he added. “I have nightmares about what happened that day,” Garcia said.

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