Bags of fentanyl were found at a New York City day care after the death of one child.
The drugs, later discovered by authorities, were stored under a play mat where the kids napped during the day. The operator of the day care, Grei Mendez, 36, is currently in custody along with her tenant and cousin-in-law, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41.
On September 15, the sick children were discovered by Mendez when she realized that they were not waking up from their naps. Instead of immediately calling authorities though, Mendez attempted to cover up the drugs and called her husband and Brito’s cousin, who remains unnamed.
In video footage, the husband can be seen entering the building after Mendez called him and then leaving shortly after with bags in hand. The bags are suspected of holding drugs.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damien Williams said at a press conference, “All of that happened while the children, the babies, were suffering from effects of fentanyl poisoning and in desperate need of help.”
In the following week, authorities gained a warrant to search the daycare after receiving a tip. Through a search, they found eight to ten kilograms of fentanyl and other undisclosed drugs. Along with the drugs, multiple tools used to mix drugs and press them into bricks were found. Prosecutors allege that Mendez and her conspirators were cutting fentanyl with other drugs and household items like baby powder.
The charges facing Mendez and Brito include conspiracy to distribute narcotics, resulting in death and drug possession. They have been indicted by a grand jury. After the indictment, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark stated, “A grand jury has returned a true bill, meaning that they’re now indicted for various charges,” though she did not specify those specific charges.
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While in court, Mendez stated that she had no knowledge of the drugs or any suspected operation, suggesting her husband was responsible. The husband remains free at this time.
