Florida Family Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse, Accused of Beating and Locking Adopted Kids Underneath Floorboards

A Florida family has been arrested and charged with alleged child abuse involving their adopted and foster children. Brian, 47, Jill, 41, Dalllin, 21, and Liberty Griffeth, 19, were charged with aggravated child abuse on July 22 after nine children aged 7 to 16 accused them of mistreatment. The family members were accused of locking the children underneath floorboards and using physical abuse as punishment.

The arrests were made following concerns raised by a local church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Branford, Fla. The church alerted authorities after discovering that one of the Griffeth’s children possessed a functioning electronic stun gun. This prompted worries about potential unfair treatment towards the adopted children compared to the biological children in the household.

According to reports, the children described harrowing experiences during police interviews, including being confined under a bunk bed, sprayed with vinegar, physically beaten with a cane, and forced to lie on the floor with a plywood sheet on top of them. Additionally, the children alleged they were not attending school, not taught basic education, and were given non-prescribed medication.

Brian and Jill Griffeth had adopted the children in Arizona before relocating to Fort White, Florida. They claimed the stun gun found at the church was a toy, but subsequent investigations proved it to be a real weapon. Concerns were also raised by a church employee about the family’s treatment of African American foster and adoptive children, suggesting they were being unfairly treated. Furthermore, it was mentioned that some of the children were not familiar with basic personal information.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office stated that a tenth foster child living with the Griffeth family was located safe with their biological parents in Arizona. However, one foster child’s name was redacted from the arrest warrant as they accused the Griffeths’ adult son, Dillan, of sexual assault. The four accused family members were taken into custody and are being held on a $500,000 bond at the Columbia County Detention Facility.

The ongoing investigation has shed light on the alleged abuse and mistreatment faced by the children under the care of the Griffeth family. The disturbing details shared by the children have sparked outrage and concern within the community. Authorities have emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicions of child abuse to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

The case highlights the need for vigilance and intervention to protect children from harmful environments. The impact of childhood trauma and abuse can have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. It is crucial for communities to support and advocate for the safety of all children, ensuring they have nurturing and secure environments to thrive in.