An East Harlem daycare is being investigated for possible drug dealing after “ghost weapons” were found inside, that is, weapons without serial numbers and made in some cases with 3D printer, the authorities announced on Wednesday.
This is a developing story.
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Nicholas Dominici, a one-year-old boy of Dominican origin, died on September 15 after being exposed to fentanyl, while he was under the care of the Divino Niño daycare center in the Bronx. Three other children were hospitalized for the same reason.
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After the tragedy, authorities raided the daycare located at 2707 Morris Avenue. The New York Police Department (NYPD) recovered a machine for packaging fentanyl and other types of drugs.
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Grei Méndez, 36, manages the daycare, and a 41-year-old cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, has been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the painful tragedy.
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Both face criminal charges including murder, manslaughter and assault.
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In addition to four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and criminal possession of narcotics including fentanyl.
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“He was a very intelligent child,” Otoniel Feliz said when remembering his son Nicolás, almost 2 years old.
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“I looked out the window to see the sky, I’m a happy child, I know how to count from 1 to 10,” he said, heartbroken.
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The father complained to the owners of the daycare center for bringing drugs near the presence of minors. “The culprit knows he has to pay,” he said.
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The parents told the media that the minor was just enrolled in daycare a few days ago.
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The nursery started its activities in May this year. This September it even passed a surprise inspection.
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This Monday, community members remember the little boy who lost his life with flowers and candles.
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According to reports from the prosecutor of the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, Grei Méndez made three calls before dialing 911, presumably to alert her husband and eliminate evidence of drugs. He also deleted 21,000 messages.
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After the progress of the investigations, the authorities discovered a secret compartment where they found more fentanyl, other drugs and tools to process it. They were hidden under the children’s playground.
