This story contains descriptions of child abuse that readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
FORT WHITE, Fla. (WFLA) – Four people have been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after police in Florida discovered what they described as a “house of abuse” in Fort White.
The Florida Department of Children and Families first became involved with the Griffeth family after one of their children brought “a functioning electronic stun gun” to a church camp, prompting a mandatory reporter (i.e., a professional required to speak up about signs of abuse of neglect) with the camp to bring up this and other concerns about abuse to child welfare officers.
This person told investigators that she had concerns that the adopted and fostered children of Brian and Jill Griffeth are treated differently from the family’s biological children, as detailed in a news release from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. She also said she believed the family primarily adopted or fostered African American children and that they are treated more like workers than family members, according to court documents.
Representatives for the Florida Department of Children and Families visited the home and noted that the couple’s adopted or fostered children “were working on chores, while the biological children were playing or watching TV.”
DCF officials found evidence of child abuse, including an accusation from one 14-year-old that his mother, Jill, would force him to lie down under a sheet of plywood while she pressed down on him, leaving splinters and scars on the boy’s chest. He also said he was caged in his bunk bed as punishment, sometimes left trapped there all night, even if he had to use the bathroom.
The investigation revealed additional forms of abuse, including the children being sprayed in the face with vinegar, given non-prescribed medication, being beaten with a cane, being locked in their bedrooms, being told to lie about what happens in the home, and not being provided adequate schooling. Court records show more than one of the children appeared to have limited literacy skills and hadn’t been to school in years.
Brian and Jill Griffeth had five biological children and four adopted children in their care. All nine children have since been removed from their custody.
“Due to the implementation of mandatory reporting here in Florida, a report was made, an investigation was conducted, and these children were removed from this house of abuse,” reads the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Jill and Brian Griffeth, as well as two of their adult children, Liberty and Dallin, were arrested on July 22 and charged with aggravated child abuse. Jill Griffeth was charged with three counts, while the others were charged with one count.
All four were booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility on $500,000 bond.
If you suspect a child is being abused, find out how to report it in your state here. To connect with a counselor, you can call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4253.
