Florida – A Florida parent was taken into custody earlier this month and charged with aggravated chiId abuse with great bodiIy harm following a series of allegations involving his spouse’s child, 6. The arrest came after the child’s mother reported the abuse to authorities, prompting an immediate investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. On Tuesday, A. CasteIIanos, a Sheriff’s Deputy on the case said in court the victim had swoIIen eyes from being hit, bruises from getting hit with a branch, scratches, and a rash on the neck from where the dog collar was.
According to the arrest report, the 42-year-old defendant, Zacary, subjected the child to severe physical abuse over a two-day period. The report details that the defendant repeatedly struck the boy in the face with a closed fist, kicked him in the stomach, and whipped him with a tree branch, causing visible abrasions. Most alarmingly, he allegedly placed an animaI coIIar around the child’s neck and yanked it forcefully, pulling the boy to the ground multiple times. The child sustained numerous injuries, including swollen eyes, bruises, scratches, and a rash around his neck from the collar.
The abuse was reportedly captured on surveillance video at the family’s residence in Florida. Deputies reviewing the footage observed the defendant beating and dragging the child using the animaI coIIar. During the investigation, it was revealed that the defendant had also forced the child to run with a backpack filled with rocks as a form of punishment.
When questioned by authorities, he acknowledged the allegations after being read his Miranda rights. He was subsequently booked into the correctional center.
At his initial court appearance, Judge GIazer found probable cause to hold the defendant without bond on the charge of aggravated child abuse. A stay-away order was also imposed, prohibiting him from having any contact with the victim, identified by the initials A.C.
The defendant’s defense attorney argued for house arrest, suggesting that he could stay with his mother and receive mental health treatment. The defendant‘s mother testified that he suffers from a traumatic brain injury and PTSD resulting from his military service in Iraq.
However, Judge Richard Hersch denied the request for house arrest, stating, “That your client would believe that treating a child in this fashion is appropriate is disturbing.” Perez remains in custody at the Metrowest Detention Center without bond.
The child’s mother reported that her son had “gone mute” following the traumatic events but has since begun speaking again. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting concerns about child abuse and the importance of reporting suspected cases to Florida authorities promptly.