Four family members were arrested and accused of abusing nine children by locking them in makeshift cages, beating them with a cane, and spraying vinegar in their faces at their home in Florida.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said that on July 3, deputies responded to a call for assistance from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enforce a court-ordered removal of nine children from the home of B and JG, located at 173 SW Boundary Way in Fort White.
According to OCSO, the children, aged between seven and 16, included five biological and four adopted children.
Officials said this removal was prompted by allegations of child abuse stemming from concerns raised by a mandatory reporter at the G’ local church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Branford.
The report states that just days before the DCF intervention, one of the G children was found in possession of an electronic stun gun at a church camp.
Additional reports indicated that the adopted children were reportedly mistreated compared to their biological siblings, with allegations that they did not even know their full names or birthdays.
During a preliminary visit, DCF investigators reported interviewing the family and noted troubling dynamics within the household, including the adopted children being seen doing chores while biological children were playing or watching TV. During this investigation, it was reportedly discovered that a tenth child, who is in foster care, was confirmed to be safe with their biological parent in Arizona following well-being checks.
As the investigation continued, disturbing claims emerged during interviews with the children. Allegations by the children included:
- Being confined under the bunk bed with plywood screwed in, to prevent escape
- Being locked in their bedrooms
- Being beaten with a cane by B.
- Being forced to lie on the floor while the mother, Jill, placed plywood on top and pressed down, causing splinters and pain
- Being sprayed in the face with vinegar as punishment
- Being given non-prescribed medication
- Being instructed to lie about events occurring at home
- Not being provided adequate schooling, which impacted their ability to read or write
These allegations prompted DCF to obtain a court order for the immediate removal of all nine children from the G home.
On July 22, all four adults living in the home, B, J, their son D, and daughter Liberty, were arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse, each held on a $500,000 bond.
According to OCSO, the adoption process for these children was conducted privately in Arizona, before the family moved to Florida.
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Source: cbs12
