A church-run summer camp in South Miami-Dade turned into a criminal investigation on June 11 after two counselors were arrested, accused of restraining and assaulting a 9-year-old boy during a football game. Detectives say the child left the camp with ruptured blood vessels in one eye, facial swelling, bruising and scratches. He was taken to a hospital, evaluated and later released. The incident has sparked an investigation by Miami-Dade detectives and raised local questions about how volunteer-led camps are supervised.
What detectives say happened
According to Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office detectives, the boy had been playing football with his siblings when an altercation broke out and camp counselors stepped in. Investigators allege that 34-year-old Zaccheus Zamon Scott placed large orange traffic cones over the child’s head, restricting his breathing, while 50-year-old Antoinette McKay grabbed the boy by the ankles and pinned him to a chair. Detectives say Scott then repeatedly struck the child on the left side of his face, causing the injuries described in the report, as first detailed by WSVN.
Charge explained
Both McKay and Scott were arrested and are facing charges of child abuse without great bodily harm. That offense falls under Florida Statute 827.03, which defines child abuse and specifies that knowingly or willfully abusing a child, without causing great bodily harm, is a third-degree felony. Under state law, a conviction can carry a sentence of up to five years in prison, although any eventual penalty will depend on how prosecutors choose to proceed and what a judge ultimately decides.
Arrests, bookings and next steps
Investigators took both counselors into custody this week, and they were booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. As of the latest reports, bond had not been set for either defendant, according to WSVN. Detectives are continuing to investigate, and prosecutors are expected to review the case, consider formal charges and set future court dates. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
How to report suspected abuse
Florida law requires that suspected child abuse be reported. The Department of Children and Families operates a 24-hour Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 and an online reporting portal at reportabuse.myflfamilies.com. Parents and program organizers are encouraged to ask camps about their screening and supervision policies and to keep emergency contact information current. If a child appears to be in immediate danger, call 911.
