ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A former Cobb County English teacher and his wife are facing several child abuse and eavesdropping charges.

According to arrest warrants, Steven and Anissa Griffin allegedly denied their own kids access to food and the bathroom on multiple occasions and also confined them to their bedrooms.

The documents state the couple installed cameras in the bedrooms of their four children and monitored them “constantly.” The teen victims told police they had to ask for permission through those cameras to leave their rooms to use the bathroom or eat a meal, and they were often denied access to both.

A 15-year-old victim told investigators he was also forced to live in the basement without heat or air conditioning. An 18-year-old victim says she was confined to her room for “a month or two.”

A crew from News 12′s sister station, Atlanta News First, went to the Griffin’s home Tuesday, but no one came to the door.

Attorneys representing the Griffin’s e-mailed WANF the following statement:

“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 attorneys representing the Griffins said in a statement. “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.”

People who live and work in the Kennesaw community say it was disappointing to learn that this case involves a former public teacher.

“I mean he’s supposed to be setting the example, you know, for the community. For all his students. And then to find out that something like this has happened is just heartbreaking,” said Marla Williamson.

A Cobb County Schools spokesperson confirmed that Steven Griffin resigned following his arrest at the end of April.

“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 spokesperson said.

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