Zachary Perez, 43, who previously avoided prison after pleading guilty in a child abuse case, was booked Monday into Miami-Dade’s Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a probation violation warrant, according to jail records. Authorities say the new arrest stems from an alleged violation of a protective order issued earlier this year. Perez is being held without bond while the alleged breach is reviewed by a judge.
Booked Over Alleged Restraining Order Violation
As reported by NBC 6, a Fort Lauderdale Police incident report states that Perez is accused of calling the victim, his ex-wife, on May 22 in violation of an injunction for protection issued in January. Investigators confirmed the call came from his phone number, and jail records show he was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a probation violation warrant. He will remain in custody while the alleged violation is addressed in court.
Background: Video And Plea Deal
Local 10 reported last year that surveillance video and arrest documents showed Perez allegedly dragging his 6-year-old stepson by a leash, striking the boy with a branch and punching him repeatedly over two days. Court records and reporting indicate Perez later accepted a plea that spared him prison time, giving him two years of community control with a GPS monitor followed by ten years of probation. Hoodline previously noted he was held without bond after the original arrest.
Family Reaction And Restitution
The child’s mother criticized the plea as too lenient and said she was furious Perez avoided prison. Court documents show Perez was ordered to pay more than $10,000 in restitution, as reported by the Miami Herald. Earlier reporting also noted that Perez’s family told a judge he is an Iraq Marine Corps veteran who has sought treatment for PTSD and hearing problems following multiple deployments.
What Comes Next
NBC 6 reports Perez will remain jailed until a judge addresses the alleged injunction and probation violations. Any hearing could determine whether his probation is revoked or if other penalties are imposed. Authorities had not provided additional comment beyond the incident report cited in coverage of the arrest.
