A Georgia teacher and his wife were arrested last month for allegedly locking their children in their bedrooms for days and “sometimes” depriving them of food, according to Peach State police.
Steven Griffin, 53, and Anissa Griffin, 53, are each charged with one count of eavesdropping-surveillance and four counts of child cruelty in the second degree, both of which are felonies, according to arrest warrants filed in Cobb County Magistrate Court.
The husband previously worked as an English teacher at North Cobb High School, but resigned following his arrest on April 30.
According to copies of the warrants obtained by the Marietta Daily Journal and Atlanta-based Fox affiliate WAGA, the couple “constantly recorded” the goings-on in their four teenage children’s bedrooms for at least 17 months, from January 2024 to the end of April this year.
According to the charging documents, the couple’s 18-year-old daughter claimed she was locked inside her room “for a month or two” and had to request permission to leave—even to use the bathroom. The 18-year-old, along with her 14- and 15-year-old siblings, allegedly complained that the cameras in their bedrooms made them uncomfortable, especially when changing clothes.
Another child claimed he was forced to live in the unfinished basement of his family’s home on Owens Landing Trail in Kennesaw, a medium-sized Atlanta suburb located in the far northwestern reaches of the larger metro area. The boy claimed the basement lacked heat and air conditioning.
According to the warrants, the boy also claimed that he had to request permission to use the restroom and was sometimes denied such permission, causing physical pain. This child allegedly told investigators that his parents confined him for up to five days at a time and occasionally denied him food.
Authorities claim that the Griffins used alarms on each bedroom door to keep track of their children and enforce discipline.
The parents, for their part, strongly deny the allegations.
WSB-TV received a statement from Noah Pines, who represents Anissa Griffin, and Lawrence Zimmerman, who represents Steven Griffin.
The defense statement reads:
Both Steven and Anissa Griffin deny the allegations contained in the warrants that were issued for their arrest. In addition to the warrants painting an inaccurate and incomplete picture of the allegations against them, the warrants are factually and legally deficient. The Griffins’ have raised four biological children, who are all adults, and have five adopted children. They are also upstanding members of the community who are dedicated to serving others. This has been a devastating time not only for them, but for their entire family that they love and cherish. They look forward to fighting these charges and clearing their names.
According to authorities, both defendants told investigators that their children needed permission from an adult to leave their bedrooms, access food, or use the restroom.
In response to the allegations, the father’s previous employer, the school district, issued a statement to multiple media outlets.
“This individual no longer works for the district and has not been at the school since his arrest and has resigned,” according to Cobb County Schools. “We expect all of our staff members to maintain the highest professional and personal standards both inside and outside of school. Our thoughts are with his family as legal proceedings continue.”
According to Cobb County court records, the Griffins were both released on $9,020 bond in early May after spending about 48 hours in custody.
