Latest news with #CobbCountySchoolDistrict
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cobb County teacher and wife arrested for alleged child abuse and surveillance
The Brief Steven and Anissa Griffin are facing felony charges for allegedly subjecting their children to mistreatment, including surveillance, food deprivation, and confinement. The children were reportedly confined to their bedrooms, denied regular bathroom access, and monitored via video cameras without consent. Steven Griffin resigned from his teaching position at North Cobb High School following his arrest, and the investigation into the allegations is ongoing. COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A Cobb County high school teacher and his wife are facing multiple felony charges after authorities say they subjected their children to years of mistreatment, including surveillance in their bedrooms, food deprivation, and confinement. What we know Steven Griffin, a former English teacher at North Cobb High School, and his wife Anissa Griffin were arrested after investigators uncovered disturbing allegations of abuse at their home on Owens Landing Trail in Kennesaw. Both are charged with felony counts of cruelty to children and unlawful surveillance. The backstory According to warrants filed in Cobb County Magistrate Court, the Griffins allegedly confined their four children to their bedrooms, denied them regular access to the bathroom, withheld food, and installed video cameras in their bedrooms without the children's knowledge or consent. One of the children, a 15-year-old, was reportedly forced to live in an unfinished basement without heating or air conditioning and had to request permission to use the bathroom, which he was sometimes denied, causing him physical pain. He also told investigators he was confined to his room for five days and was sometimes denied food. Authorities say the Griffins placed alarms on the children's bedroom doors to alert them if they were opened, and the children were required to ask for permission—often through the surveillance system—to leave their rooms or eat meals. A now-18-year-old victim said she was confined to her room for one to two months and had to ask for permission to use the bathroom after being locked out. Both the 14-year-old and 18-year-old expressed discomfort with the constant video monitoring, especially as they changed clothes in their rooms. The 15-year-old echoed those concerns. What they're saying Steven Griffin has since resigned from his teaching position following his arrest. A Cobb County School District spokesperson confirmed his departure, saying, "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." What we don't know The investigation is ongoing. The Source This article draws details from the arrest warrants for Steven Griffin and Anissa Griffin. The Cobb County School District offered a statement. The Cobb County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest, charges, and provided the mug shots.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Another book removed from Cobb County school libraries
The Cobb County School District has removed another book from the shelves of its libraries. Last week, the district announced that it would be removing 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The novel is told from the perspective of banker-by-day, serial killer-by-night Patrick Bateman. It was the basis for the 2000 film of the same name starring Christian Bale. It is partially known for its graphic depictions of violence. RELATED STORIES: Cobb County Schools removes 2 more books, including kidnapping victim's memoir Cobb County removes 13 more books from schools for 'sexually explicit content' Cobb County Schools faces civil rights complaint over books removed from libraries Superintendent Chris Ragsdale addressed the idea that the school district is 'banning' books by saying they are simply trying to provide age-appropriate reading material for children. 'Not only is protecting children from sexually explicit content the best and only appropriate decision, but I also believe it protects decisions that should be made at home by parents,' he said. 'Our process is not a reflection on the author, the subject, or the literary merit of the book. It is analogous to not giving children unrestricted access to rated-R movies while they are at school.' Since September 2023, the school district has removed 36 books from its libraries. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cobb County School District improving security with ‘cutting edge detection capabilities'
The Cobb County School District is adding a new layer of protection for students and staff with two new K-9 officers. 'What's different about the vapor wake dogs is they can alert on a moving object. meaning if a person has a weapon in their backpack and they are walking down the sidewalk the K-9′s can pick up on that scent,' Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said. Channel 2 Action News Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell spoke exclusively with Ragsdale about this new safety initiative that he believes will help prevent school violence. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'They can pick up that trail up to 15 minutes after the item has gone through the area,' Ragsdale said. On Thursday, Superintendent Ragsdale introduced the vapor wake canine detection team to board members and the community. Unlike traditional detection dogs, these K-9′s are trained to sample the air for concealed firearms, explosives and more. TRENDING STORIES: 'A legacy of dedication:' Community mourns sudden death of Duluth officer Ex-GA sheriff lieutenant submitted timesheets for off-duty work. Officials say he never showed up 'Real Housewives' Teddi Mellencamp says she has 'multiple tumors' on brain, undergoes surgery The district partnered with Global K9 Protection Group to get the K-9′s. The company provides hundreds of K-9′s to sports teams, hospitals and more. They cost the district about $40,000. School officials hope to get the K-9′s in Cobb Schools as soon as possible. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
