Miami Man Avoids Prison for Abusing 6-Year-Old Stepson with Dog Collar

Child Abuse Case Outcome

• 👨‍⚖️ A 42-year-old man, Zachary Perez, has avoided prison time after pleading guilty to aggravated child abuse.
• 🤝 The plea deal was accepted by the court, resulting in two years of community control with a GPS monitor and 10 years of probation.
• ⚖️ The judge expressed that this sentence was likely not Perez's first choice but was influenced by the guardian ad litem program's support for the plea.

Details of the Abuse

• 🐶 Perez was seen on surveillance video leading and yanking his 6-year-old stepson by a dog collar.
• 👊 The video also showed Perez punching and kicking the child repeatedly.
• 🤕 The child sustained a lash on his neck from the collar and was also hit with a tree branch.

Background and Sentencing Conditions

• ⚠️ The state described Perez as a "ticking time bomb," citing his text messages and past abusive behavior, including death threats.
• 🧠 Perez's mother testified that he suffers from PTSD and has seen a psychiatrist.
• 🚫 As part of his probation, Perez must stay away from the victim and his mother, avoid settings involving children, and undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluations.
• 💰 He is also required to pay for any therapy the child victim needs.