FORT WHITE, FL — Four members of a Florida family have been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after nine adopted and foster children accused them of severe physical and emotional abuse, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
Brian Griffeth (47), Jill Griffeth (41), Dalllin Griffeth (21), and Liberty Griffeth (19) were taken into custody on July 22, 2025, after disturbing allegations surfaced regarding their treatment of children aged 7 to 16 in their home.
The CCSO stated the case began when deputies were called to assist the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) in executing a court-ordered removal of the children. The order followed concerns raised by a mandatory reporter from their church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Branford, FL.
The children told investigators that they were subjected to horrific treatment, including:
Being locked beneath floorboards or under bunk beds screwed down with plywood
Beatings with a cane
Being sprayed in the face with vinegar
Forced to sleep on the floor with plywood pressed down on top of them
Deprived of education and basic literacy
Administered non-prescribed medications
Authorities also noted a church report that one of the children brought a functioning stun gun to church, which the parents falsely claimed was a toy. Investigators confirmed it was a real weapon.
The family, who reportedly adopted children in Arizona before relocating to Fort White, is now under investigation for racial disparities in treatment, with multiple adopted children allegedly unfamiliar with their own last names or personal information.
All four defendants are currently held as the case continues to unfold.
