NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A third suspect was arrested in connection with the Bronx daycare where a 1-year-old boy died, and three other kids were sickened, from a suspected fentanyl exposure this month, prosecutors said on Monday.
The suspect, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, 38, was charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics in connection with the poisonings, which left infant Nicholas Dominici dead at Divino Nino Daycare on Sept. 15.
The drugs and materials found suggest a big drug packaging operation that Paredes allegedly played a key role in, DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said. “In this case, the daycare’s floorboards were used as concealment, putting children’s lives at risk who innocently sat on the floor to play. Traffickers often hide contraband in inconspicuous or unsuspecting locations with no regard for the safety of others.”
Between July and September 2023, Paredes, along with two previously arrested suspects—Grei Mendez and Carlisto Acevedo Brito—were allegedly planning to distribute fentanyl, even at the daycare center in the Bronx, prosecutors said.
They allegedly stored a large amount of fentanyl and kept more drugs in hidden compartments in the floor where the kids played and slept. The police also found packaging materials in these hidden spaces marked with “RED DAWN.”
After Paredes’ arrest, police also searched the apartment where he lived. They found bags with tape, a grinder, plastic bags, and digital scales, items usually used to make drugs, prosecutors said.
They also found bags marked with “RED DAWN” inside his apartment.
Brito, 41, a tenant renting a room from the daycare owner, and Mendez, 36, the daycare's owner, were arrest this month and are now facing 11 charges, including murder, manslaughter, and assault.
"We have evidence to show that it was more than just a day care center. It's clear that there was a drug operation that was happening there," Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said.
If found guilty, Paredes faces a minimum of 20 years behind bars, and he could serve life in prison.