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Griffeth Charges Dropped

The Circuit Court of Columbia County, Florida, has dismissed charges of aggravated child abuse against Jill Griffeth due to insufficient evidence following depositions of witnesses. The investigation revealed that initial allegations were unfounded and the actions described did not constitute child abuse. Consequently, the defendant is to be released from custody on these charges.

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2K views2 pages

Griffeth Charges Dropped

The Circuit Court of Columbia County, Florida, has dismissed charges of aggravated child abuse against Jill Griffeth due to insufficient evidence following depositions of witnesses. The investigation revealed that initial allegations were unfounded and the actions described did not constitute child abuse. Consequently, the defendant is to be released from custody on these charges.

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Filing # 234862981 E-Filed 10/31/2025 09:26:13 AM IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. STATE OF FLORIDA, CASE NO: CO-2025-000579-CF-E -vs- CHARGE: JILL GRIFFETH, AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE Defendant. (3 COUNTS) NOTICE OF NOLLE PROSEQUI In the interests of justice, notice is hereby given of a dismissal of pending prosecution against the above-named individuals for the above-listed charges. The basis for this decision is as follows: Depositions with several witnesses presently or formerly employed by the Department of Children and Families were conducted over the last two weeks concerning this case and the reports that were filed. The initial complainant has been deposed as well. Throughout these depositions we encountered a series of blame shifting, finger pointing, and outright denials of matters contained within the initial reports and response. All initial salacious gossip concerning children being treated as slaves or incidents of sexual abuse were determined to be unfounded in this investigation. Taking away all the incredulous statements made under oath by these witnesses, Counts 1 through 3 of the State's charging document must be addressed independently. Although probable cause was established in the early stages via warrant, the discovery process has revealed information the State of Florida cannot refute. The aggravated child abuse alleged in Count 1 of the State’s Information or charging document pertains exclusively to the action of “unlawful caging’. It is alleged that the victim was confined within a modified bunk bed with limited space and that his mother would at times secure a piece of particle board over the opening preventing the child from exiting his bed. Wooden boards run the length of the bunk allowing the child to be seen but not exit if secured or “caged* by his mother. All State witnesses deposed in this matter had little to no information on the history of the child. The defense has provided copious evidence concerning the i essociated with IEE since the time of HEE 'ncicents of violence against other children, adults, and animals were described. Since JM removal from the Griffeth home, Electronically Filed COLUMBIA Case # 25000579CFEXMX 10/31/2025 09:26:13 AM A jury would be asked to consider: a poor family, devout in their faith, and raising 9 minor children in a small home, addressing the situation in a manner they deem appropriate to ensure the safety and security of the alleged victim and to also ensure no acts of violence were perpetrated upon the other children. The State cannot refute such an argument, and this matter cannot be presented to a jury with liberty at stake. As to Counts 2 and 3 concerning Child Abuse, it is alleged in the State’s charging document that the mother of the children sprayed two separate children in the face with vinegar. The discovery process has revealed the diluted solution to be a homemade version of “Sassy Spray” a product sold in numerous outlets as a modern version of soap in the mouth. In lieu of soap, apple cider vinegar is sprayed into the child's mouth. Said action does not constitute child abuse. If the above-named defendant is in custody, The Sheriff of COLUMBIA County is hereby authorized to release the above-named defendant on the charge(s) of: AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE (3 COUNTS). Dated this 31 day of October, 2025. OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY Third Judicial Circuit 173 NE Hemando Ave, Suite 420 Lake City, FL. 32055 Phone: (386) 758-0470 Original: Clerk Copy To: Sheriff Wallace Kitchings Q y COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S Susy OFFICE, CCSO250FF002515 im JOHN F. DURRETT rarramts DIVISION State Attorney Florida Bar No, 0043754

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