A woman who operated a day care center in New York City, where a toddler tragically died from fentanyl exposure, has admitted guilt to federal drug-related charges. On Tuesday, Grei Mendez entered her plea in a Manhattan court, acknowledging her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute narcotics that resulted in death. This plea follows the passing of 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici in September 2023.

Earlier this month, Mendez’s husband, Felix Herrera-Garcia, was handed a 45-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to drug offenses, including causing bodily harm. During her court appearance, Mendez, 37, became emotional as she detailed her agreement with her husband and another associate to engage in drug activities. She confessed that in September 2023, she assisted in packing and storing the illegal substances at the Bronx apartment where she operated the Divino Niño day care center. “This will haunt me for as long as I live,” Mendez said, reflecting on the tragic consequences of her actions, especially with four children of her own.

Mendez expressed that her husband encouraged her to establish the day care, a venture she initially viewed as a means for support. However, she quickly realized that it served as a cover for Herrara-Garcia’s drug dealings. Mendez is set to be sentenced on March 3 and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years, with the possibility of receiving a life sentence behind bars.

While the authorities reported that three other children who were exposed to the fentanyl received timely medical assistance with Narcan and survived, the severity of the situation prompted a police investigation. A search warrant executed at the Bronx apartment revealed significant amounts of fentanyl and various drug paraphernalia concealed beneath a trap door located in the children’s play area. Visual evidence presented by the police displayed bags of suspicious powder hidden under plywood and tiles. Additional findings included a kilogram of fentanyl set on top of children’s play mats, alongside several tools for mixing the narcotic and forming it into bricks.

Authorities claimed that Mendez attempted to conceal the drug operation upon discovering that some children were unresponsive after their naps. Reports indicate that she contacted her husband prior to alerting emergency services, and surveillance footage later showed him entering the premises, subsequently exiting through a back alley carrying multiple shopping bags.

Mendez’s legal representation has not provided any comments regarding her plea. They have previously contended that she was unaware of the drug-related activities, placing the responsibility solely on her husband. Besides the federal charges, Mendez also faces state charges of murder, manslaughter, and assault, to which she has pleaded not guilty.