Florida principal arrested for aggravated child abuse

Florida principal arrested for aggravated child abuse

Dontay Akeem Prophet is the principal of Destiny Leadership Academy in Ocala. The 33 year old was arrested Saturday. He faces allegations of aggravated child abuse and false imprisonment of a child under 13. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported that Prophet put a student in a chokehold, struck him with a cable, twisted his ankle, slapped him in the face, and held him in a classroom for over 40 minutes.

The sheriff’s office began investigating after a call about a physical disturbance between a student and the principal. Surveillance video from the classroom showed Prophet preventing the child from leaving. He was restraining him on the ground, and using a chokehold. The footage also captured Prophet striking the child with a charging cable, causing injuries, and twisting the student’s ankle.

In the body-camera footage released by the authorities, Prophet seemed unaware of the security camera in the room. He claimed his actions were to prevent the child from self-harm. However, evidence contradicted his claims, leading to his arrest and detention without bond.

Valerie Strong with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office described the video as heartbreaking. “We send our children to school to people who are supposed to teach them and protect them and help them flourish from children into adults,” Strong said.

Destiny Leadership Academy provides a K-5th grade education with Christian principles and character-building strategies. The school’s website emphasizes a high-quality learning environment aimed at helping students achieve academic excellence.

This incident raises serious concerns about student safety at the school. The investigation is ongoing, and the community is awaiting further developments.

Source: Click Orlando

Florida principal arrested for aggravated child abuse