Four Florida family members accused of abusing, caging adopted 9 children

Four members of a Florida family have been arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse after authorities say they subjected nine children to disturbing forms of mistreatment, including caging them with plywood under a bunk bed, spraying vinegar in their faces, and administering nonprescribed medications.

Brian Griffeth, 47, and Jill Griffeth, 41, along with their children, Dallin Griffeth, 21, and Liberty Griffeth, 19, were charged on July 22 with the abuse of five biological and four adopted children, ages 7 to 16, at their home in Fort White, Florida, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

During the investigation, several of the children told officials that Brian Griffeth beat them with a cane and locked them in their rooms. They also alleged that Jill Griffeth placed plywood over them and applied pressure to restrain them.

The children further reported being sprayed in the face with vinegar, given medication that was not prescribed to them, and denied proper education — leaving some unable to read or write, according to the sheriff’s office.

The case came to light after a mandatory reporter from the family’s church — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Branford, Florida — raised concerns about the children’s well-being. Authorities were alerted after one child was found with a functioning stun gun during a church camp, among other troubling signs.

Investigators also noted differences in how the biological and adopted children were treated. According to the report, adopted children were made to do chores while the biological children watched TV and played. Some children reportedly did not know their full names or birthdays.

Liberty Griffeth is being represented by the public defender’s office, which declined to comment. The other three defendants are being represented by the Office of Criminal Conflict and Regional Counsel due to a conflict of interest. That office has not responded to requests for comment.

All four suspects are being held at the Columbia County Jail on $500,000 bond each. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: LIB