Florida Family Arrested After Nine Children Allegedly Beaten, Locked Under Floorboards, and Caged

Individuals accused of severe child abuse in Florida: Faces of alleged abusers charged with mistreating nine children by confining them under floorboards, using harsh punishments, and denying education.

By Savage RoyalT | July 27, 2025 | SavageRoyalT.com

FORT WHITE, FL — Four members of a Florida family have been arrested in what authorities describe as an alarming case of child abuse involving nine adopted, foster, and biological children. Brian Griffeth, 47, his wife Jill, 41, their adult son Dallin, 21, and daughter Liberty, 19, were each charged with aggravated child abuse following a July 22 arrest, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) confirmed. The charges stem from an investigation revealing that children in their care, ages 7 to 16, were subjected to physical abuse, confinement, neglect, and intimidation.

The investigation began July 3, when CCSO deputies assisted the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) with a court-ordered removal of nine children from the Griffeth home. The order followed a tip from a mandatory reporter at the family’s church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Branford, FL. The church had raised concerns after one of the Griffeths’ biological children brought a functioning electronic stun gun to a church camp, sparking fears that the adopted and foster children were being mistreated compared to the biological children.

Interviews conducted by the Child Protection Team uncovered graphic allegations. Several children described being “caged” under bunk beds by having plywood screwed into place to trap them. Others said they were forced to lie on the floor while Jill pressed a sheet of plywood on top of their bodies, causing pain and splinters. Punishments allegedly included being sprayed in the face with vinegar, beaten with a cane, and administered non-prescribed medication. Investigators also reported that the adopted children were not taken to school and had not been taught to read or write.

According to the arrest warrant, the Griffeths, who adopted several of the children in Arizona before moving to Florida, allegedly insisted the stun gun was a fake, but authorities determined it was real. A church employee told child welfare officials that none of the foster or adopted children knew their last names or birthdays. One foster child alleged that Dallin Griffeth had sexually assaulted them; those claims are also under investigation.

The nine children removed from the home included five biological and four adopted children. A tenth foster child, not present during the raid, was later located safe with biological parents in Arizona.

Authorities say the Griffeth biological children were observed playing or watching TV during home visits, while the adopted children were made to do chores. Some children told investigators they were instructed to lie about what happened inside the home.

Brian, Jill, Dallin, and Liberty Griffeth remain in custody at the Columbia County Detention Facility on $500,000 bond each. The investigation remains active, and additional charges, including possible sexual abuse allegations, may be forthcoming.