Miami-Dade Man Accused of Child Abuse Remains Jailed

Allegations of Child Abuse

• 👨‍⚖️ A Miami-Dade man, Zachary Perez, is accused of severe child abuse against his 6-year-old stepson.
• 🤕 The alleged abuse includes beating and punching the child, forcing him to run with a backpack full of rocks, and whipping him with a tree branch.
• 🐶 A dog collar and leash were reportedly used to yank the child to the ground, leaving a rash on his neck.
• 📹 Surveillance video captured the child's head jerking backward and forward before he fell to the floor, detailing the extent of the injuries.

Prosecutor's Concerns and Evidence

• ⚠️ The state described Perez as a "ticking time bomb," arguing for his pre-trial detention to protect the public.
• 🛡️ Evidence presented included statements from previous romantic partners who sought court protection, fearing for their lives due to Perez's threats.
• 🔪 Threats allegedly included statements of intent to kill his ex-wife, his children, and others.
• 💥 Weapons were also confiscated from Perez's home and his parents' home.

Defense Arguments and Court Decision

• 🧠 Perez's mother testified that he suffers from a traumatic brain injury and PTSD from his deployment to Iraq.
• 🏠 The defense proposed house arrest with his mother and sought psychiatric treatment as conditions for bond.
• ⚖️ The judge denied the motion for house arrest and granted the state's motion for pre-trial detention, pending a psychiatric evaluation.

Additional Information

• 💔 The victim's mother, who is also Perez's current wife, is seeking a divorce.
• 📰 The deputy who testified noted that the alleged abuse occurred over two days and that the child had numerous marks and swollen eyes.