A Miami-Dade man is currently being held without bond after being accused of severely abusing his 6-year-old stepchild. Zachary Perez, 42, faced a judge yesterday who ordered that he be detained pending further proceedings. According to CBS News Miami, the charges against Perez include aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm. The alleged abuse involved using a dog collar to pull the child to the ground, kicking them in the stomach, and striking them with a tree branch.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the child suffered distressing treatment that reportedly lasted for two days. A no-contact order has been put in place to ensure Perez must maintain at least a 500-foot distance from the victim, should he be granted bond in today's hearing, as detailed in a statement obtained by NBC Miami.
The judge has outlined clear restrictions regarding Perez's interaction with the child and the home they shared. If Perez is to be allowed bond, he may only return to his home once and within a 48-hour window to retrieve personal belongings. His re-appearance in court is anticipated today, where his bond situation will be reassessed and further legal actions discussed.
As the case continues to unravel, authorities have encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Information concerning the investigation remains limited at this stage, but more insights are expected to surface following Perez's next court date, as noted by CBS News Miami.
