Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
THE BRONX, NEW YORK: In a recent development, a third individual, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, has been apprehended in connection with the suspected drug overdose of one-year-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici at day care, situated in The Bronx.
Renny Antonio Parra Paredes faced arraignment in federal court on the morning of September 25, charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death.
Who is the owner of The Bronx's Divino Nino Day Care?
Grei Mendez De Ventura, the owner of The Bronx's Divino Nino day care, was previously arrested along with her husband, Felix Herrera Garcia, who fled to his native Dominican Republic before the arrest, according to sources from CBS New York.
The NYPD has reached out to the national police in the Dominican Republic for assistance.
Aside from Nicholas Feliz-Dominici's tragic death, three infants were hospitalized after being apparently exposed to fentanyl on September 15 at The Bronx's Divino Nino Day Care.
Federal authorities allege that substantial quantities of narcotics were concealed beneath floorboards, on playmats, and in a closet within the day care located on Morris Avenue.
Massive amount of opioids recovered from Bronx day care
According to CBS News, authorities revealed they found enough fentanyl to kill around 500,000 people. They reported the discovery of a kilogram of fentanyl in a hallway closet at the day care, disturbingly stacked atop children's play mats.
Additionally, law enforcement found three kilo press machines designed for packaging drugs, further implicating the extent of the illicit activities within the facility.
The Drug Enforcement Administration asserts that Paredes, also known as "El Gallo" or "The Rooster," played a pivotal role in the drug distribution network.
Moreover, upon searching Renny Antonio Parra Paredes' residence, investigators claim to have discovered tools and equipment utilized in the preparation and distribution of narcotics. These items include strainers, tape, a grinder, plastic bags, and digital scales.
Law enforcement reported the discovery of two clear bags containing a grayish powder and a rectangular brick-shaped package, indicative of containing drugs.
The indictment against Paredes specifies the recovery of glassine envelopes bearing the same "Red Dawn" red stamp found at the day care. If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment.
Attorney Damian Williams said, "This case is different. We allege the defendants poisoned four babies and killed one of them because they were running a drug operation from a day care center."
He added, "A day care center - a place where children should be kept safe, not surrounded by a drug that can kill them in an instant."