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Police arrest third suspect in Bronx day care overdoses
By
Elizabeth Shwe
Published Sep 25, 2023
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Bahar Ostadan
By
Elizabeth Shwe
Published Sep 25, 2023
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A third person has been arrested in connection with the Bronx day care where a 1-year-old died and three other young children were hospitalized from opioid exposure earlier this month.
Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, 38, of the Bronx, was arraigned in federal court Monday morning on charges accusing him of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. According to federal officials, large quantities or narcotics were being stored under floorboards of rooms where children played and slept at Divino Niño Day Care on Morris Avenue.
“As alleged, Paredes had an instrumental role in this conspiracy and is charged with narcotics distribution and death in connection with the poisoning of four children,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said in a statement. “The alleged drugs and materials seized in the trap are indicative of a prolific drug packaging operation. Traffickers often hide contraband in inconspicuous or unsuspecting locations with no regard for the safety of others. In this case, the day care’s floorboards were used as concealment, putting children’s lives at risk who innocently sat on the floor to play.”
Nicholas Dominici was one of three children found unresponsive by police earlier this month, along with a 2-year-old boy and an 8-month-old girl. Police later learned another 2-year-old boy, who was picked up earlier by his mother, started showing symptoms of opioid exposure, according to authorities.
Grei Mendez, 36, who ran the day care out of her apartment, was charged with murder on Saturday. Carlisto Acevedo Brito, who rented a room in the apartment and who police say is related to Mendez’s husband, was also charged with murder.
“The truly disgraceful allegations in this case continue to shock the senses,” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said in a statement. “This latest charge proves that our determination to eradicate the threat of illicit fentanyl and save lives cannot – and will not – stop.”
During a search of Paredes' apartment, investigators found tools used to prepare and distribute narcotics, including strainers, a grinder, and digital scales, officials said. Investigators also found what appeared to be two clear Ziplock bags filled with a gray powder and a brick-shaped package, both of which appeared to contain narcotics, according to authorities.
The state division of the Drug Enforcement Administration said the alleged drugs seized in the trap were "indicative of a prolific drug packaging operation."
If convicted, Paredes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. His attorney information was not immediately available.
Contributed reporting by Bahar Ostadan.
Tagged
public safety
the bronx
Elizabeth Shwe
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