In a recent development in the tragic case of a 1-year-old boy who died from opioid exposure at a Bronx day care, a third person has been charged. Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, a 38-year-old Bronx resident, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. This information was revealed in a joint statement issued by Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the New York City Police Department.

Authorities allege that Parra Paredes conspired to distribute fentanyl, a potent opioid, from July to earlier this month. This distribution allegedly included activities at the "Divino Ni?±o" day care in the Bronx. The investigation revealed that Parra Paredes and his co-conspirators stored large amounts of narcotics, including fentanyl, on top of playmats and hidden in “traps” within the room where the children played and slept.

It remains unclear whether Parra Paredes has legal representation at this time. If convicted, he could face a mandatory sentence of 20 years to life in prison. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized that this arrest is a step towards justice for the child victims and their families.

Grei Mendez, the owner of the day care, and Carlisto Acevedo Brito, a neighbor, were previously charged in connection with this case. They face federal charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and narcotics distribution resulting in death, which carry maximum sentences of life in prison. In addition to these federal charges, Mendez and Acevedo Brito are also facing state charges, including murder, manslaughter, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.

The incident occurred on September 15 when four children at the day care fell ill, with one later dying from fentanyl exposure. The NYPD found three children between the ages of 8 months and 2 years old unconscious and unresponsive. Narcan, an opioid overdose antidote, was administered to the children at the scene. Nicholas Dominici, a 1-year-old boy, tragically passed away at the hospital, while a 2-year-old boy who also received Narcan was taken to the hospital by his mother.

In the latest development, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, also known as "El Gallo," has been charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. The Department of Justice unsealed a criminal complaint against Paredes, adding him to the list of individuals charged in connection with the fatal overdose at the Bronx day care facility. Paredes was brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang on Monday and is currently in custody.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams expressed his commitment to bringing those responsible for the child poisonings at the day care to justice. The complaint unsealed on Monday alleges that Parra Paredes, along with Mendez and Brito, conspired to distribute fentanyl between July and September of this year. Shockingly, despite the presence of children, including infants, large quantities of narcotics, including a kilogram of fentanyl, were found stored on play mats and concealed in traps within the room where the children played and slept.

During the search of the day care facility, investigators discovered materials used for packaging narcotics, such as glassine envelopes stamped with the name "RED DAWN" in red ink. These envelopes are commonly used to distribute drugs. After Parra Paredes' arrest, a search was conducted at his apartment, where law enforcement found shopping bags containing tools and instruments used for preparing and distributing narcotics, including strainers, tape, a grinder, plastic bags, and digital scales. Additionally, two clear plastic bags filled with a grayish powder and a rectangular brick-shaped package suspected to contain narcotics were discovered, along with envelopes stamped with "RED DAWN," similar to those found at the day care facility. The stamp tool used for labeling the envelopes was also located in the apartment.

If convicted, Parra Paredes could face a sentence ranging from 20 years to life in prison. The NYPD Police Commissioner, Edward A. Caban, expressed his shock at the disturbing allegations in the case and reaffirmed the determination of law enforcement to eradicate the threat of illicit fentanyl and hold accountable those who endanger the lives of children. The investigation continues as the families affected by this tragedy seek justice for their loved ones.