OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A 33-year-old Ocala man, Dontay Prophet, has been arrested on a Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) warrant for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 years of age. Prophet, whose date of birth is March 27, 1991, is currently being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
The investigation began on October 12, 2024, when MCSO Major Crimes Detective Annemarie Larocque received a report of a sexual assault that allegedly occurred between December 2012 and December 2014. MCSO says that according to the victim, Prophet, an adult at the time, molested him during a stay at the victim’s home. They say the victim provided a detailed account of the abuse, which was corroborated during the investigation. They add that Prophet reportedly warned the victim not to disclose the abuse, claiming it would get him in trouble.
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MCSO says that the victim expressed relief upon learning of Prophet’s previous arrest, believing it might protect others from harm. Following a thorough investigation, Detective Larocque secured a warrant for Prophet’s arrest. Prophet was taken into custody during a court appearance related to a separate child abuse case involving a local private school where he was employed.
Authorities have revealed that Prophet has faced similar allegations in the past, including in 2017, and has since worked in environments granting him access to children. Investigators say that they also uncovered evidence of grooming behaviors during their recent inquiry.
Given the nature of the charges and Prophet’s history, detectives suspect there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Larocque at 352-369-6805.