Norman, Florida – A Florida family of four is facing serious abuse charges after being accused of subjecting their adopted and foster children to various forms of abuse, including imprisonment and physical punishment.
Brian Griffeth, 47, Jill Griffeth, 41, and their biological children, Dallin Griffeth, 21, and Liberty Griffeth, 19, were arrested on multiple counts of aggravated child abuse.
Initial Investigation and Allegations
The investigation began after one of the children allegedly brought a Taser to a Mormon church camp in Branford, about 45 miles northwest of Gainesville. The parents initially claimed the device was a toy, but authorities discovered it was a real weapon.
A church employee later reported disturbing allegations to child welfare authorities, claiming that the Griffeth family treated their foster and adopted children unfairly and provided them with no formal education, with the children reportedly unaware of even their own last names or birthdates.
Abuse Details
As authorities delved deeper into the case, further allegations surfaced. The family’s foster and adopted children were allegedly subjected to severe punishments, including physical beatings and being confined in a “cage-like” bed.
One child, a 14-year-old boy, revealed to investigators that he was regularly confined to his three-tiered bunk bed, with a piece of plywood being secured over the entrance using a green drill.
The boy claimed he was made to lie on the floor while his mother pressed the plywood onto his chest, causing splinters and scarring. He was allegedly only allowed to leave the bed for mealtimes or when his brothers requested it. The boy also claimed he was sprayed with vinegar as a form of punishment.
Treatment of Foster and Adopted Children
Other children corroborated the story, describing how the 14-year-old boy was isolated for most of the day and night, with the plywood being secured by the adults in the house. One of the 9-year-old and 7-year-old children confirmed the “cage” setup.
Illiteracy and Discrimination
Two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, also spoke about their treatment. One of the girls admitted to being illiterate and claimed she hadn’t attended school for six or seven years. She recalled being sprayed with vinegar, which burned her eyes.
The other girl stated that the biological children of the Griffeths were treated differently, including being given cellphones, while the foster and adopted children were not.
Other Disturbing Allegations
The children also reported that if there wasn’t enough food, the foster and adopted children wouldn’t receive any. One witness claimed that the children were often treated as “workers”, rather than family members, and were given little to no education. Allegations of sexual assault also emerged from one of the children’s biological mothers in Arizona.
Arrest and Detention
The Griffeth family was arrested and remains detained without bond at the Columbia County Jail. They face a range of serious charges, including aggravated child abuse and false imprisonment.
