Four members of a Florida foster family have been arrested after a horrifying investigation revealed multiple foster children were reportedly beaten, confined in cages, and denied education in a remote home in Fort White.
Brian and Jill Griffeth — along with their two adult children, Dillan and Liberty Griffeth — were taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with aggravated child abuse. Each was booked into the Columbia County Jail on $500,000 bond.
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Abuse Uncovered After Stun Gun Incident at Church Camp
The case came to light when one of the foster children was found with an electric stun gun at a Latter-Day Saints church camp in Branford, Florida. That discovery prompted a broader investigation into the Griffeth household on Boundary Way.
Deputies with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office say they found evidence of severe abuse and neglect involving four foster children, ranging in age from 7 to 16.
Shocking Allegations: Cages, Beatings, and Forced Labor
According to police:
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Foster children were confined under a bunk bed, enclosed with plywood screwed shut.
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They were reportedly locked in their rooms and beaten with a cane.
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The mother allegedly forced children to lie on the floor, placed plywood on top of them, and pressed down until they were in pain or received splinters.
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Children were sprayed in the face with vinegar, given non-prescribed medications, and denied proper education.
Some children were found to be illiterate and unaware of their own birth dates.
While the foster children were forced to work and do chores, the Griffeths’ five biological children were reportedly allowed to play or watch television.
Adopted in Arizona, Moved to Florida
Investigators confirmed that the abused children were privately adopted in Arizona before the family moved to Florida. It’s unclear if Arizona authorities were aware of any red flags prior to the relocation.
Neighbors in Shock
Local residents expressed disbelief at the arrest and allegations.
“It’s a very nice compound, peaceful town, country town. Everybody keeps to themselves,” said neighbor Gerald Rodgers. “I would never know something was going on like that. I’m glad y’all are out here reporting on it.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate. The fate of the foster and biological children has not been publicly disclosed, but child welfare authorities are believed to have taken custody.
This disturbing case adds to the growing list of child abuse incidents slipping through the cracks in the foster care and private adoption system.
