OCALA, Fla. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrested a school principal and accused them of aggravated child abuse and false imprisonment of a child under 13 years old.
On May 10, MCSO responded to a call at Destiny Leadership Academy regarding a physical altercation between a student and the principal.
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Investigators obtained surveillance footage from the classroom that showed Dontay Akeem Prophet preventing the child from leaving the room for over 40 minutes.
The footage also showed Prophet grabbing the child, restraining him on the ground and putting him in a chokehold.
Officials said Prophet can be seen on camera using a charging cable to strike the child, causing him to sustain injuries.
Prophet also twisted the child’s ankle, slapped him in the face and subjected him to further physical abuse.
Investigators said during questioning, Prophet claimed the altercation was an attempt to prevent harm to the child. MCSO said the evidence contradicted his assertion.
Prophet is being held without bond.