Four adults have been arrested in Florida on charges of aggravated child abuse after allegedly holding nine children captive in their home, locking them in cages and spraying them with vinegar as punishment. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office announced the arrests on Friday.
The suspects are Brian and Jill Griffeth, a married couple, along with their adult children, Dallin Griffeth, 21, and Liberty Griffeth, 19. Authorities say the children, aged between seven and 16, were confined to cages in their bedrooms, given non-prescribed medication, and denied adequate schooling. They were also instructed to lie about the conditions inside the Fort White home.
According to the sheriff's office, Jill Griffeth would force the children to lie on the floor, place a plywood sheet on top of them, and press down, causing splinters and pain. The adults would also spray the children in the face with vinegar as a form of punishment. Five of the children are biological offspring of the Griffeths, while four were adopted.
The investigation began after a mandatory reporter at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints raised concerns. One child was later found with a functioning stun gun at a church camp. Authorities noted that adopted children were treated unfairly compared to biological children, with some not knowing their full names or birthdays. When officers visited the home, adopted children were doing chores while biological children played watched television.
All nine children have been removed from the home by court order. The four adults were arrested on July 22 and are being held at the Columbia County Detention Facility on $500,000 bonds each. A tenth foster child, not present at the home but with a biological parent in Arizona, was found to be safe.
