Current:Home > MyNYPD investigators find secret compartment filled with drugs inside Bronx day care where child died due to fentanyl-LoTradeCoin
NYPD investigators find secret compartment filled with drugs inside Bronx day care where child died due to fentanyl
View Date:2024-12-23 22:32:35
NEW YORK -- Police on Thursday were back at a Bronx day care where a 1-year-old died after exposure to fentanyl and several other children were sickened last week.
While executing a new search warrant, they found more drugs. That happened not long after two of the suspects arrested had another court date.
The NYPD's Crime Scene Unit spent the day at Divino Nino Day Care on Morris Avenue searching the entire place. Suited-up investigators were seen going in and out of the building.
They found a "trap," a secret compartment in the floor of the playroom. Inside the 4-by-6-foot area they say investigators found more fentanyl and other drugs, totaling more than five kilos.
During a previous search, officials found a kilo of fentanyl stored on top of playmats used by children, and kilo presses.
Outside the building on the sidewalk, a memorial was growing in response to the death of 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici, who lost his life after being exposed to fentanyl. Several other children were sickened at the day care and hospitalized.
- Read More: New York City leaders considering changes to day care inspection process after 1-year-old's fentanyl death
The day care's owner, 36-year-old Grei Mendez, and her husband's cousin, 41-year-old Carlisto Acevedo Brito, who rents a room there, were arrested and charged in state court with murder of depraved indifference.
Earlier this week, they were also slapped with federal narcotics conspiracy charges, which carry a sentence of 20 years to life in prison.
During that federal court appearance, Mendez cried and denied any knowledge of a drug operation. Brito denies it as well.
Federal prosecutors are accusing Mendez of playing a role in the drug distribution and in helping her husband escape.
- Read More: Grei Mendez, Carlisto Acevedo Brito facing murder charges in 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici's death at Bronx day care
It's alleged that on Friday afternoon, after discovering the children were not waking up from their nap, she made three calls -- two to her husband and another to 911. Within minutes of those calls, prosecutors say her husband was seen entering the Bronx apartment and taking two full shopping bags out of the building through a back alley.
He hasn't been seen since, but police have vowed to capture him.
On Thursday morning, Mendez and Brito had a court date at Bronx Supreme Court. Neither were in the courtroom because they are currently in federal custody, so attorneys for each waived their appearance.
After court, the attorneys would not comment.
Both defendants opted not to testify before a grand jury in Bronx Supreme Court. Their next court date is scheduled for Oct. 5.
Stick with CBS New York for the latest developments as the case continues.
- In:
- Bronx
- Fentanyl
Alice Gainer joined CBS2 as a reporter and anchor in January 2013. She covers breaking, feature and general assignment stories.
Twitter FacebookveryGood! (2)
Related
- Jason Kelce Offers Up NSFW Explanation for Why Men Have Beards
- 6 people accused of torturing, killing woman lured into religious group
- Brain-eating amoeba kills Arkansas resident who likely got infected at a country club splash pad, officials say
- 'Young people are freaked out': Weekend climate change protests planned around US, globe
- Georgia public universities and colleges see enrollment rise by 6%
- Tyler Buchner, not Jalen Milroe, expected to be starting QB for Alabama vs. South Florida
- US military orders new interviews on the deadly 2021 Afghan airport attack as criticism persists
- Watch SpaceX launch live: Liftoff set for Friday evening at Florida's Cape Canaveral
- Suspect arrested after deadly Tuskegee University homecoming shooting
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet with Biden in U.S. next week
Ranking
- Outgoing North Carolina governor grants 2 pardons, 6 commutations
- Katharine McPhee, David Foster break silence on their nanny's death
- What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend reading and listening
- Rep. Adam Smith calls GOP-led impeachment inquiry against Biden a ridiculous step - The Takeout
- Sting Says Sean Diddy Combs Allegations Don't Taint His Song
- Climate change could bring more monster storms like Hurricane Lee to New England
- The Taliban have detained 18 staff, including a foreigner, from an Afghanistan-based NGO, it says
- Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee-Furness Break Up After 27 Years of Marriage
Recommendation
-
When does Spirit Christmas open? What to know about Spirit Halloween’s new holiday venture
-
Wisconsin impeachment review panel includes former GOP speaker, conservative justice
-
Steve Miller felt his 'career was over' before 'Joker.' 50 years later 'it all worked out'
-
University of Kentucky cancer center achieves highest designation from National Cancer Institute
-
Over 1.4 million Honda, Acura vehicles subject of US probe over potential engine failure
-
Climate change could bring more storms like Hurricane Lee to New England
-
What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend reading and listening
-
Judge temporarily halts trial in New York's fraud lawsuit against Trump