Felix Herrera Garcia, 35, was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Thursday, October 17th, for his role in trafficking fentanyl out of a Bronx daycare center, an operation that led to the tragic death of a 22-month-old child and the poisoning of three others. The case has highlighted the deadly reach of the fentanyl epidemic and its impact on vulnerable populations, especially children. Herrera Garcia, who pleaded guilty in June 2024, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
The poisoning occurred at Divino Niño Daycare, where Herrera Garcia and his co-conspirators stored over 11 kilograms of fentanyl in hidden compartments beneath the playroom floor. On September 15, 2023, four children under the age of three were exposed to the drug. Tragically, 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici died, while the other children were rushed to the hospital after being administered the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the recklessness of Herrera Garcia’s actions, stating, “Felix Herrera Garcia operated a deadly fentanyl trafficking enterprise out of a Bronx daycare, recklessly putting babies at risk of fentanyl exposure. This case demonstrates the deadly reach and scope of the fentanyl epidemic and the profound damage it inflicts on American lives, including the lives of the most vulnerable among us.”
Herrera Garcia fled the country after the incident but was captured in Mexico by U.S. and Mexican authorities. He was extradited to the U.S. to face charges, including conspiracy to distribute narcotics, resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute narcotics. His wife and two other individuals were also implicated in the drug operation.
The case has brought attention to the growing issue of fentanyl in communities and the lengths traffickers will go to, putting even children at risk. Prosecutors in the case worked closely with multiple law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the victims. Herrera Garcia will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Williams reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting fentanyl trafficking, vowing that law enforcement would “work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who harms or risks the lives of children in connection with their deadly narcotics activities will be brought to justice.”
