Fentanyl Stash in Bronx Daycare Center Leads to 45-Year Prison Sentence
Accused Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced for Toddler’s Fatal Opioid Overdose
A man who hid a stash of fentanyl beneath the floorboards of a Bronx daycare center was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Wednesday in connection with a toddler’s fatal opioid overdose. Felix Herrera-Garcia, 45, previously pleaded guilty to drug charges and causing bodily harm after the death of 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici.
Fatal Incident Occurred at Divino Niño Daycare
Herrera-Garcia operated the stash in the playroom of the Divino Niño daycare, where Nicholas and three other children ingested the fentanyl. Medics administered the overdose-reversing drug Narcan to the three affected children, but Nicholas did not survive.
Herrera-Garcia’s Apology and Plea for Forgiveness
In a statement before the sentencing, Herrera-Garcia expressed remorse for his actions, saying, "I have nightmares about what happened that day." He also apologized to the families of the children, stating that he hoped they could one day forgive him. He shared that he and his child had played with the children and did not flee until an ambulance arrived.
Judge Rejects Life Sentence Request, Imposes 45-Year Term
Judge Jed S. Rakoff rejected a request by prosecutors that Herrera-Garcia receive a life sentence, citing that the death was not premeditated murder. Instead, he imposed a 45-year prison term, exceeding the mandatory minimum of 20 years requested by the defense.
US Attorney’s Statement on the Case
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, stated, "Felix Herrera Garcia operated a deadly fentanyl trafficking enterprise out of a daycare, recklessly putting babies at risk of fentanyl exposure on a daily basis. On September 15, 2023, that operation resulted in tragedy when one child was killed and four others were poisoned by the defendant’s deadly drugs. This case demonstrates the deadly reach and scope of the fentanyl epidemic, and the tragic collateral damage it inflicts on American lives."
Ongoing Prosecution of Daycare Operators
Herrera-Garcia’s wife and another individual, who operated the daycare, were charged with murder, narcotics possession, and assault and are pending trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the sentence given to Felix Herrera-Garcia?
A: 45 years in prison
Q: What was the cause of Nicholas Dominici’s death?
A: Fentanyl overdose
Q: What was the fate of the three other children exposed to fentanyl?
A: They survived after medics administered Narcan
Q: What was the sentence requested by the prosecution?
A: Life imprisonment
Q: What was the sentence given by the judge?
A: 45 years in prison
