A Florida Marine Corps veteran accused of brutally abusing his 6-year-old stepson may avoid prison under a plea deal that has left the child’s mother outraged. Despite disturbing video evidence allegedly showing the abuse, prosecutors say the deal would spare the child from having to testify in court.
Abuse Caught on Video
Authorities say 42-year-old Zachary Perez was caught on multiple surveillance clips torturing his stepson in May 2025. The videos reportedly show Perez:
Placing a pink dog collar around the child’s neck and yanking it so hard the boy was lifted off his feet.
Forcing the child to walk with a backpack filled with rocks.
Kicking, punching, and whipping him with a switch.
Chasing him around the yard with a wooden stick.
Kicking him inside the home as he ran by.
A deputy testified that investigators found the boy had swollen eyes, bruises, scratches, and a rash on his neck from the collar.
Prosecutors Offer Deal
Perez was charged with aggravated child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. However, Miami-Dade prosecutors confirmed they offered him a plea deal:
Two years of house arrest with GPS monitoring.
Ten additional years of probation.
Prosecutors explained the deal would prevent the young victim from being forced to testify and face cross-examination.
Mother Outraged at Plea Deal
The child’s mother, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said she does not support the agreement.
“It’s an absolute slap in the face considering what he has done to my child and the trauma he caused,” she told NBC Miami. “I fear that he will come back and he will kill us. I am constantly looking over my shoulder.”
History of Alleged Abuse
Assistant State Attorney Wily Wisset said since Perez’s arrest, several women from his past relationships have contacted the office, claiming they too suffered or witnessed abuse at his hands.
In addition, investigators said Perez sent threatening texts to the boy’s mother after she reported him, including messages like “You’ll remember Mother’s Day.”
What’s Next
Perez has not yet accepted the plea deal. Judge Alberto Millian must approve any agreement before it becomes final. Perez is expected to announce his decision in court next week.
The case has sparked outrage over how a man allegedly caught on video abusing a child could receive a deal that keeps him out of prison. Prosecutors argue the deal spares the child further trauma, while the boy’s mother insists it leaves her family vulnerable to more violence.
The court’s decision will determine whether Perez avoids prison time despite the severity of the accusations against him.
