Bags of fentanyl found beneath trap floor of day care center where 1-year-old died

Bags of fentanyl were found beneath a trap door in a New York City day care center where a toddler died and three others sickened due to opioid exposure.

The grim discovery: Last week, four toddlers at the Bronx day care center were treated for opioid poisoning, with 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici dying from suspected exposure.
* The narcotics, including a large quantity of fentanyl, were found beneath plywood and tile flooring in the children’s play area.
* Photos show bags full of powder inside the “trap floor,” not far from a shelf of children’s toys.

Arrests and charges: Day care operator Grei Mendez and building tenant Carlisto Acevedo Brito have been charged with murder of “depraved indifference” in Dominici’s death. Authorities are seeking a third individual related to the case.
* Both Mendez and Brito face up to life imprisonment if convicted on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death and conspiracy.

The cover-up: Federal prosecutors highlighted Mendez’s suspected efforts to conceal the drug operation.
* Mendez allegedly called her husband once she realized some children were not waking from their naps before informing emergency services.
* Her husband was captured on surveillance footage entering and then exiting the property with multiple shopping bags, while the children were suffering from fentanyl exposure.

Legal angle: During a federal court appearance, Mendez’s attorney claim she was unaware of the drug operation, suggesting that her husband was responsible.
* Brito did not speak during his court appearance and inquiries to his attorney received no response.
* Both Mendez and Brito face additional state charges of murder, manslaughter, and assault.

View original article on NPR

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