Man Arrested in Miami for Allegedly Abusing Stepson and Using a Dog Collar

Last Saturday, an individual from Miami-Dade County was taken into custody after being accused of committing severe physical and psychological abuse against his six-year-old stepson. The allegations include multiple instances of assault and degrading treatment, such as the use of a dog collar. Zachary Pérez, aged 42, is facing charges of aggravated child abuse resulting in significant bodily harm and torture, as detailed in court documents and the arrest report from the Miami-Dade County Police Department.

The events reportedly transpired between May 8th and 9th at a residence in southwest Miami-Dade, where the accused lived with his wife, daughter, and two stepchildren. Authorities claim that Pérez repeatedly struck the child in the face, placed a dog collar around his neck, dragged him across the backyard, threw him to the ground, kicked him in the stomach, and hit him with a tree branch. This abusive behavior allegedly continued for at least two days.

Legal Proceedings and Court Decision

During a court appearance on Sunday, the judge denied Pérez bail, labeling the actions as "aggravated child abuse with torture." The magistrate expressed profound dismay at the situation, stating, "It is truly appalling that in this day and age, such distressing acts still occur, it has left a lump in my throat."

At the hearing, Pérez pleaded for his release, citing the necessity to attend work to avoid job loss and to support his family. Nonetheless, the judge rejected his request, ordering that he remain in custody without the possibility of bail, and appointed a public defender for his upcoming court appearance.

Detention and Case Details

According to the county's penitentiary system, Pérez was admitted to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGKCC) on May 10th and is currently held without bail under case number F25009508. Authorities have also classified the incident as a case of domestic violence.