Two men, identified as Ramon Garcia-Santana and Nathan Riley, have pleaded guilty to drug charges in connection with the fentanyl poisoning death of a toddler who died at a daycare in New York City.
According to authorities, two-year-old Anthony Genao was found unresponsive at his home-based daycare in the Bronx. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy later revealed that the cause of death was fentanyl poisoning.
Further investigation led to the discovery that Garcia-Santana and Riley had been selling fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, from an apartment just two blocks away from the daycare where Anthony was found. The two men were also responsible for distributing fentanyl-laced heroin in the Bronx neighborhood.
In their guilty pleas, Garcia-Santana admitted to selling drugs with Riley out of the apartment and at other locations in the Bronx. He also acknowledged knowing that the drugs they were selling contained fentanyl.
Riley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute narcotics and distribution of fentanyl-laced heroin that resulted in death. Both men are facing a minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
This case highlights the growing epidemic of fentanyl-related deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin, and just a small amount can be fatal.
In recent years, fentanyl has become one of the leading causes of drug overdose deaths, with an estimated 36,500 fatalities involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl in 2019-2024 alone.
The tragic death of Anthony Genao serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the devastating impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities. The guilty pleas by Garcia-Santana and Riley are a step towards justice for Anthony’s family and a warning to those who engage in the illegal distribution of drugs.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continue to work tirelessly to combat drug trafficking and hold accountable those who contribute to the opioid crisis. As part of their efforts, they urge anyone with information about illegal drug activity to come forward and report it immediately.
Source: Newsbreak Local News
