Authorities in Fort White, Florida, have detained four individuals accused of abusing nine children. As reported by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, these adults allegedly kept the minors locked in a cage constructed from plywood beneath a bunk bed and sprayed their faces with vinegar as a form of punishment.
The accused include Brian and Jill Griffeth, along with Dallin, 21, and Liberty Griffeth, 19. They face charges of aggravated child abuse. Among the victims, five were the biological children of the couple, while four were adopted, ranging in age from 7 to 16 years old.
The alleged abusers reportedly subjected the children to systematic beatings with a cane, confinement in their rooms, and the administration of over-the-counter medication. The children, who were not enrolled in any school, were also instructed to lie about the circumstances at home.
All nine children have been removed from the home, and bail for each of the accused has been set at $500,000. The investigation was initiated after a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Branford, Florida, where the family attended, reported the situation. This individual was a mandatory reporter, legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect cases.
One child was found with a functioning electronic stun gun while attending a church camp. Investigations revealed that the adopted children, unaware of their full names or birthdates, were treated unfairly compared to the Griffeths' biological children. The adopted children were assigned household chores, whereas the biological children were allowed to play or watch television, according to findings by the Department of Children and Families.
In a related incident last May, a mother in Miami-Dade County was arrested for allegedly abusing her eight-year-old daughter by biting her. She was on bail for a previous charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon at the time. On April 10, a two-year-old girl in South Beach was rescued after being found naked, crying, and cold in her apartment while her parents overdosed on narcotics. The Florida Department of Children and Families warned that the child might have died without the swift police response.
Another shocking case involved Orlando Hernández, 29, who was arrested in March for allegedly torturing his four-year-old son by tying, strangling, and confining him in a closet. The child used a doll to describe the abuse. Hernández remains in custody without bail, charged with aggravated child abuse.
Understanding Child Abuse Cases in Florida
What led to the arrest of the Griffeth family in Florida?
The Griffeth family was arrested after allegations surfaced that they abused nine children by keeping them in a plywood cage, spraying them with vinegar, and other forms of mistreatment. A report from a church member initiated the investigation.
How were the adopted children treated differently from the biological children?
Investigations revealed that the adopted children faced unfair treatment, being tasked with household chores while the biological children engaged in leisure activities like playing and watching TV.
What actions are taken when a child abuse report is made in Florida?
In Florida, when a report of child abuse is made, authorities conduct thorough investigations. If abuse is confirmed, children are removed from harmful environments, and legal actions are pursued against the perpetrators.