The United States Attorney's Office announced on Monday that a third defendant is facing federal charges in connection to the fatal fentanyl overdose of a 1-year-old boy and the poisoning of three other children at a Bronx day care. 

The third defendant, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, also known as El Gallo, is facing charges including conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. 

MORE: Police discover bags of fentanyl beneath 'trap floor' of NYC day care center where 1-year-old died 

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency's Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, the defendant "had an instrumental role in this conspiracy." 

"This latest charge proves that our determination to eradicate the threat of illicit fentanyl and save lives cannot – and will not – stop. The NYPD and our law enforcement partners remain committed to investigating and holding fully accountable anyone who puts the lives of our children in danger," said NYPD Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban, in a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. 

The office says that Paredes, alongside Grei Mendez and Carlisto Acevedo Brito, allegedly conspired to distribute fentanyl at, including but not limited to, the day care located in Kingsbridge since at least July 2023. 

MORE: Funeral held for 1-year-old who died at Kingsbridge day care from fentanyl exposure