Felix Herrera Garcia, a 35-year-old man from the Bronx, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl out of a daycare where a toddler died and three others were poisoned after being exposed to the drug. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. Garcia pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death. His wife and two others were also charged in connection with the poisoning of children at the Divino Niño daycare center in the Bronx.
The incident occurred on September 15, 2023, when Nicholas Dominici, a 22-month-old toddler, died and two other children were found unresponsive at the daycare. A third child was also lethargic and unresponsive at home after being picked up. Prosecutors described the daycare as operating as a “fentanyl mill.” The surviving children had to be given the overdose reversal drug naloxone. Herrera Garcia and his co-conspirators kept more than 11 kilograms of fentanyl in secret compartments under the floor tiles in the playroom of the daycare, where the children spent their time.
Herrera Garcia and the other defendants conspired to sell drugs out of the daycare between October 2022 and September 2023. Prosecutors said that the children were constantly exposed to fentanyl as they played, ate, and slept in the playroom where the drugs were stored. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that Herrera Garcia recklessly put babies at risk of fentanyl exposure, resulting in tragic consequences for the children who were poisoned. After the incident, Herrera Garcia fled the country but was captured in Mexico and brought back to face justice.
The sentencing of Herrera Garcia to 45 years in prison sends a strong message about the severity of trafficking narcotics, especially in a setting where children are involved. The tragedy at the daycare center serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families. The case highlights the need for strict enforcement of laws related to drug trafficking and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly when they result in harm or death.
The guilty plea of Herrera Garcia and the subsequent sentencing demonstrate a commitment to justice and accountability in cases involving drug trafficking and resulting harm. The decision to sentence him to 45 years in prison reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the harm caused to the children exposed to fentanyl. It also serves as a warning to others involved in illegal drug operations that they will face severe consequences for their actions. The tragic incident at the daycare center has sparked public outrage and drawn attention to the dangers of fentanyl and the need for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Overall, the sentencing of Felix Herrera Garcia to 45 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl out of a daycare where a toddler died and three others were poisoned highlights the devastating impact of drug trafficking on individuals and communities. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of strict enforcement of laws related to drug trafficking. It also underscores the need for accountability for those who engage in illegal drug operations and put others at risk. The tragic incident at the daycare center is a stark reminder of the consequences of drug trafficking and the importance of preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
