FORT WHITE, FL — Four members of a Fort White family were arrested on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, on charges of Aggravated Child Abuse following a Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigation. Nine children, ranging in age from 7 to 16, were removed from the home located at 173 SW Boundary Way and placed in protective custody.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) assisted DCF on July 3, 2025, in serving a court-ordered pickup of the children—five of whom are biological and four adopted. The investigation was initiated after a mandatory reporter from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Branford, FL, raised concerns of child abuse.
The initial report stemmed from an incident at a church camp where one of the children was found in possession of a functioning electronic stun gun. Additional concerns included allegations of unequal treatment between the biological and adopted children, children not knowing their full names or birthdays, and lack of access to proper schooling.
During an earlier home visit, DCF investigators noted adopted children were performing chores while biological children were observed playing or watching television. A tenth foster child, not present during the visit, was later found safe in Arizona.
Subsequent interviews with the children by the Child Protection Team (CPT) revealed multiple disturbing allegations, including:
- One child being confined under a bunk bed using screwed-in plywood
- Another child being pinned to the floor with plywood by Jill Griffeth, causing splinters and pain
- Punishments involving vinegar being sprayed in the face
- Administration of non-prescribed medication
- Instructions to lie about home life
- Denial of basic education, including reading and writing
Based on the findings, all four adults residing in the home were arrested and transported to the Columbia County Detention Facility. Each is being held on $500,000 bond.
Arrested:
- Brian Matthew Griffeth, White Male, Aged 47
Charge: Aggravated Child Abuse – FSS 827.03(2)(a) - Jill Elizabeth Griffeth, White Female, Aged 41
Charge: Aggravated Child Abuse – FSS 827.03(2)(a) - Dallin Russel Griffeth, White Male, Aged 21
Charge: Aggravated Child Abuse – FSS 827.03(2)(a) - Liberty Ann Griffeth, White Female, Aged 19
Charge: Aggravated Child Abuse – FSS 827.03(2)(a)
Authorities also noted uncertainty regarding the legal adoption status of one of the children, as no documentation could be found in Arizona where the adoptions reportedly took place.
The case remains under investigation by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and DCF.
Case #: CCSO25OFF002515
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