Federal authorities took action after state child welfare workers removed nine minors from a Florida home.
FLORENCE, AZ— An Arizona man is in federal custody after being accused of sexually abusing a minor and recording videos of her, according to federal court records and law enforcement authorities.
Investigators uncovered that Brian Griffeth allegedly began abusing his foster daughter when she was 13 years old while the family lived in Florence. The victim was removed from the home a little more than a year ago after state child welfare workers in Florida took nine minor children into protective custody following an investigation triggered by an incident at a church camp.
Court filings show the alleged conduct in Arizona spanned multiple years prior to the family relocating across state lines. Federal agents initiated an independent criminal review after child protective authorities gathered statements from several minors previously housed in the residence during a multi-agency welfare check.
The victim, who was taken into state care alongside eight other minors, detailed the timeline of the alleged acts to forensic interviewers. Federal prosecutors cited video evidence recovered during execution of a search warrant as central to the pending charges, while marking the full scope of potential additional offenses as under active review.
Prior to federal involvement, local law enforcement agencies in Florida and Arizona conducted parallel inquiries into the family’s domestic living conditions. Public records indicate the household previously operated under private foster and adoption arrangements in Arizona before moving out of state.
Griffeth remains in custody pending formal court appearances and preliminary hearings in federal district court. Defense attorneys have not yet issued a public response to the federal indictment, and scheduled court proceedings will determine pre-trial detention conditions in the coming weeks.
Federal prosecutors stated the investigation remains active as forensic examiners process recovered digital devices.
Author note: Last updated September 4, 2026.