In a developing investigation into the tragic suspected fentanyl poisoning of a toddler at a New York City nursery, authorities have charged a third individual. The incident, which occurred on September 15th, led to the hospitalisation of four young children, one of whom, one-year-old Nicholas Dominci, tragically lost his life.
On Monday, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, aged 38, was charged with narcotics distribution resulting in death. Federal prosecutors have alleged that Paredes, who also went by the alias “El Gallo,” played a pivotal role in the sale of significant quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics. These illicit substances were reportedly packaged and stored within the nursery, even on mats used by the children for sleeping and beneath a concealed “trap floor.”
This development follows the previous charges laid against Grei Mendez, the owner of the Bronx nursery, and Carlisto Acevedeo Brito, a tenant of the apartment. Both Mendez and Brito were charged with murder based on “depraved indifference” last week.
Authorities are continuing their search for the alleged mastermind behind this drug operation. Damien Williams, the attorney overseeing the case, stated, “Today’s arrest is one more step toward obtaining justice for the child-victims of this heinous offence and their families.”
The investigation has also led to the search for Mendez’s husband, who was observed leaving the apartment carrying two full shopping bags shortly after Mendez had warned him about the unresponsive children.
During a court hearing last week, an attorney representing Mendez emphasised that his client had panicked upon discovering that the children under her care were not waking up from their naps. The defence argued that the drug dealing allegations were primarily directed at Ms. Mendez’s husband, distancing her from the operation.
A search of the nursery uncovered a kilogram of fentanyl atop children’s play mats in a cupboard, along with a hidden stash of drugs within the floor where children played. This included glassine envelopes bearing a “Red Dawn” stamp, as detailed in court documents. This same stamp was reportedly discovered in the apartment where Paredes was residing, along with a cache of other drug supplies.
Mobile phone location data has suggested that Paredes made frequent stops at the Bronx nursery, while text messages indicated that a phone number labeled “El Gallo” was in regular communication with Brito regarding the drug operation.
