Horror: The principal at a Florida private school is caught choking, hitting and whipping a young student with a charging cord as police arrest him on child molestation charges, five years after he was charged with sexually abusing another child

A Florida school principal and self-proclaimed “beacon of integrity and faith” is in police custody after he was recorded choking, slapping and whipping a student with a charging cord at the private school where he worked.

Dontay Prophet, 33, was jailed as recently as the summer of 2023 when he violated probation in connection with a separate charge of sexual abuse of a child.

Prophet is the director of Destiny Leadership Academy in Ocala, northwest of Orlando. The horrific footage was captured on May 10th. He was arrested just a day later.

The video, captured by surveillance cameras and released by the sheriff’s office, begins with him talking to the child, before the two apparently get into an argument.

Prophet grabbed the little boy, pinned him to the ground with his legs, choked him and then hit him in the face with a cable, causing injuries and twisting the child’s ankle, authorities allege in a criminal complaint.

Prophet grabbed the little boy, pinned him to the ground with his legs, choked him and then hit him in the face with a cable, causing injuries and twisting the child’s ankle, authorities allege in a criminal complaint

According to police, the child was held in the room for about 40 minutes

A teacher who heard the screams reported the incident, which led to the footage being uncovered

The Executive Director of Destiny Leadership Academy, Dr. Elvira Higgins, has declined to comment publicly on how Prophet landed such a high-profile role at the school

According to police, the child was held in the room for about 40 minutes. A teacher who heard the screams reported the incident, which led to the footage being uncovered.

According to the Ocala Star Banner, investigators described the boy in the video as “shy” and “scared” when he was interviewed. He complained of sore hips and said he had been hit in the face with a computer charging cord.

His mother told police that her son did not report the incident to her.

In addition to the abuse video, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office also released a clip of his arrest. “I don’t know if you know this or not, but there is a surveillance camera in this room,” the arresting officer says.

“That exists?” asks the prophet. “Yes… and the camera captured everything. “Everything,” the officer continues.

He told investigators that he physically attacked the child to get his attention and said the child tried to hurt himself. When Prophet was first contacted by telephone by investigators, he made the same claim.

Despite his claims, he was immediately charged with aggravated child abuse and negligent confinement of a child under 13 years of age.

Previous reports indicate that Prophet was also arrested in May 2019 after being accused of sexually abusing a minor he met in 2017 while working as a camp counselor.

As a result of these allegations, he was charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a child and attempting to interfere with custody.

In addition to the abuse video, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office also released a clip of his arrest. “I don’t know if you know this or not, but there is a surveillance camera in this room,” the arresting officer says

Previous reports indicate that Prophet was also arrested in May 2019 after being accused of sexually abusing a minor he met in 2017 while working as a camp counselor

A private meeting was held between the administration and parents of the students on Monday

In 2022, he did not want to object to the allegations, but later changed his mind. As a result, his case was classified as a sexual offense, which could have carried a prison sentence of 15 years.

It was reported at the time that Prophet worked at a school and was suspended without pay.

In June 2023, Prophet was found to have violated his probation by failing to report. A month later, the case was dismissed, with one charge dropped and the court finding that he could not be convicted on the other charge.

Because of his probation violation, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail.

The Executive Director of Destiny Leadership Academy, Dr. Elvira Higgins, has declined to comment publicly on how Prophet landed such a high-profile role at the school.

According to Fox35, a private meeting was held Monday between administrators and students’ parents.

The Ocala Star Banner reports that Prophet began working in 2009 as a behavioral technician and assistant education professional in the community. He resigned in 2019 shortly after taking a leave of absence.

On his personal website, Prophet referenced his arrest in 2019.

“Donnie’s unwavering commitment to his community was tested in 2019 when baseless allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, damaging his reputation.”

He describes emerging as a “victor” from the incident, but does not provide further details, adding that he has maintained his innocence throughout.

In a biography section of the website, Prophet writes a flattering tribute to a “prominent politician.”

“Donnie Prophet’s leadership is a beacon of hope in our community.” “His passion for excellence and tireless commitment to those he serves make him a true advocate for change,” it said without a quote.

Finally, Prophet says he plans to pursue law school “very soon.”

According to the website, Prophet studied at Western Governors University, Santa Fe College and Southeastern University.

In 2017, he ran for school board in Marion County, where he received 15,000 votes.

At the time of this writing, Prophet is being held without bail in the Marion County Jail. His next court date is June 11.