FORT WHITE, Fla. (BN24) — Four members of a Florida family have been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after investigators discovered nine children living in disturbing conditions, including being locked in a homemade cage and subjected to physical and psychological torment, authorities said Friday.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects as Brian and Jill Griffeth and their adult children, 21-year-old Dallin Griffeth and 19-year-old Liberty Griffeth. The four were taken into custody following a criminal investigation that revealed what deputies described as systemic abuse in their Fort White home, located about 35 miles northwest of Gainesville.
According to investigators, the children — five biological and four adopted, ranging in age from 7 to 16 — were subjected to beatings with a cane, locked in their bedrooms for extended periods, and sprayed in the face with vinegar as a form of punishment. Some were reportedly given medication that had not been prescribed to them.
Authorities said a wooden enclosure made of plywood had been constructed under a bunk bed to confine some of the children. The sheriff’s office added that the victims were instructed to lie about their situation and were denied basic education, leaving many of them unable to read or write.
All nine children have been removed from the home by court order.
The investigation began after a mandatory reporter from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in nearby Branford raised concerns. The sheriff’s office said the tip came after one of the children was found with a functioning electronic stun gun at a church camp days earlier.
During a subsequent home visit by the Florida Department of Children and Families, investigators observed a clear disparity in treatment between the Griffeths’ biological and adopted children. The adopted children were forced to complete chores while the biological children watched TV or played, officials said.
Some of the adopted children reportedly did not know their full names or birthdays. Investigators also believe the adopted children were treated more harshly than the biological ones.
The sheriff’s office said each adult is being held on a $500,000 bond. It remains unclear whether they have secured legal counsel.
NBCNEWS
