By Staff Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Morgan Simeon Prows, a 37-year-old resident of Newberry, found himself behind bars after being accused of child abuse at Westside Park. Witnesses claim that Prows was seen repeatedly kicking a child during the incident.

On January 10, at approximately 6:04 p.m., an officer from the Gainesville Police Department arrived at Albert ‘Ray’ Massey (Westside) Park, located at 1001 NW 34th Street. The officer’s presence was requested following reports from witnesses who alleged that Prows had aggressively kicked a child to prevent them from getting up. Observers noted that Prows was shouting at the child to stop addressing him as “bro” while standing over him, behavior they deemed inappropriate for a guardian.

Following the altercation, Prows reportedly instructed the child to sit on some playground equipment. Witnesses overheard him warning the child that authorities, including the police and the Department of Children and Families, might be called due to the situation.

After being read his Miranda rights, Prows denied any physical maltreatment of the child, claiming he hadn’t used physical discipline for several years.

Prows’ criminal history includes two local felony convictions and one misdemeanor, all non-violent. He served a state prison sentence and was released in 2009. Judge Donna Keim has set his bail at $10,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.