2 arraigned after drug raid at Queens building that houses day care

WOODHAVEN (WABC) -- A man was arrested for allegedly dealing drugs out of the basement of a Queens building that also houses his father's day care.

Police sources say 24-year-old Michael Gomez and his associate, 23-year-old Selestino Rodriguez, were taken into custody during a raid at the building on 88th Avenue in Woodhaven around 5 a.m. Thursday.

Detectives learned that Gomez was selling the drugs out of his basement apartment, below where his father operates a licensed day care, My Precious Moments Daycare, on the upper floors.

Undercover officers had made numerous drug buys in the basement apartment before making the arrests.

Marijuana, Molly, ecstasy pills and more than $2,500 in cash were seized.

Gomez was charged with criminal sale of controlled substance near a school, acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 and criminal sale of marijuana. He was arraigned Thursday night before Queens Criminal Court.

Rodriguez was charged with criminal possession of controlled substance and criminal possession of marijuana. Rodriguez was also arraigned Thursday night.

Gomez was ordered held on $20,000 bail pending a bail sufficiency hearing and Rodriguez was released. Gomez and Rodriguez, who each face up to two and a half years in prison if convicted, were ordered to return to court on March 9.

Gomez's father was not arrested and is not believed to have known about the drug dealing.

The day care center was closed through at least Friday while the state licensing agency investigates to determine if it can reopen.

Police officers remained in front of the building to inform parents of the arrests.