Get notified by email when this case is updated.
Written by: A. Smith
Published June 2, 2025 @ 11:04 AM ET
COBB COUNTY, Ga. -A former North Cobb High School teacher and his wife are facing charges of child cruelty after police said they confined several of their children to their rooms and, at times, denied them food and access to the bathroom.
Steven and Anissa Griffin are accused of closely monitoring their children using surveillance cameras installed in every bedroom. According to Cobb County police, the couple also placed alarms on the doors and required the children to ask for permission to eat, use the bathroom or leave their rooms.
Steven Griffin, previously an English teacher at North Cobb High, has since resigned from his position, according to the school district.
Attorneys Noah Pines and Lawrence Zimmerman, who represent the Griffins, said their clients deny all allegations.
Investigators said the alleged abuse occurred over the span of more than a year and involved four children. In addition to child cruelty, both parents are also facing charges of eavesdropping.
Police reports detail claims that the children were confined to their rooms for extended periods, sometimes days or months, and in some instances were denied access to basic needs.
One teenager told authorities he was forced to live in an unfinished basement that lacked both heating and air conditioning. Another reported being locked out of the bathroom and having to request permission to use it.
Police also said the cameras made the children feel uneasy, as they were under constant surveillance.
WSB-TV reportedly received this statement from the couple’s legal team:
“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,” said Pines and Zimmerman.
Cobb County Schools released a statement confirming Steven Griffin no longer works for the district.
“This individual no longer works for the district and has not been at the school since his arrest and has resigned. We expect all our staff members to uphold the highest professional and personal standards inside and outside of school. Our thoughts are with his family as legal proceedings take their course,” the district said.
This case is currently pending in court.