MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has arrested the principal of a private school in Ocala.
MCSO says they arrested 33-year-old Dontay Akeem Prophet on Saturday, May 11, and booked him into the Marion County jail on charges of aggravated child abuse and false imprisonment of a child under 13 years old.
Surveillance footage is a key piece of evidence
During the investigation, deputies obtained the surveillance footage from a classroom which the sheriff’s office says shows the principal prevented the child from leaving the room for over 40 minutes.
They also say it shows the principal grabbing the student, restraining him on the ground, and putting him in a chokehold.
MCSO also says Prophet can be seen on camera using a charging cable to hit the child which caused the child to fall and sustain injuries. They also say Prophet twisted the child’s ankle, slapped the child in the face, and subjected him to further physical abuse.
On Monday afternoon, the sheriff’s office released an approximately three-minute clip of the surveillance footage. The child’s face has been obscured to protect his identity.
On Saturday, May 11, the sheriff’s office says Prophet agreed to speak with them. MCSO also released video from the deputy’s body camera of the conversation. The deputy informs Prophet there is a security camera in the classroom.
Deputy: “It caught everything on camera. Everything… especially when he had his head down and you started grabbing him on the legs, poking him and grabbing him in the chest.”
Prophet: “At the time when I’m poking him. I’m not hurting him. I’m trying to get his attention.”
In the video, Prophet claims the child had made suicidal statements and he was trying to prevent him from harming himself.
The deputy instructs Prophet to turn around and tells him he’s under arrest for aggravated child abuse.
Deputy: “I don’t believe you were trying to stop him for the hour and fifteen minutes that video was recorded. By you kneeing him in the head. With a welt on the side of his head from you hitting him with the cable from the computer.”
Prophet denies the allegations.
Deputy: “I just want to let you know that’s some of the best surveillance video footage I’ve ever seen in my life. You’re probably fired too from your job by the way.”
About Destiny Leadership Academy
The website for Destiny Leadership Academy says they provide education with Christian principles and character-building strategies for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. The site goes on to say the school’s vision is to deliver the “highest quality education in the most positive and passionate environment.”
The site doesn’t list any of its staff but does indicate that tuition for the school is $7,500.
352today called the school late Monday afternoon to ask about Prophet’s employment status. We left a voicemail message. We also sent an email to the school. If we get a response, we’ll update this story.
Prophet’s background
A check of the Marion County jail log shows this is not the first time Prophet (who is also known as Dontay Akeem Lopez) has been booked into the jail.
In May of 2019, deputies arrested him on charge of lewd and lascivious behavior on a child younger than 12. It appears that charge was eventually dropped.
He was also booked in June 2023 on a probation violation on a charge of interfering with child custody. County records show he spent about three months in jail and was released in September 2023.
Prophet is now being held at the Marion County jail without bond for the latest charges.