Former Florida law enforcement officer accused of forcing 6-year-old underwater in hotel pool: report
Share this @internewscast.com

A woman facing charges for allegedly holding a young boy underwater at a Florida hotel pool is a former police officer known for addressing students on the impact of bullying, sources reveal.

Tiffany Lee Griffith, aged 36 and residing in Fort Myers, was taken into custody earlier this month. She faces a charge of aggravated child abuse following the incident at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, as reported by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

The alleged event took place around 4:30 p.m. on December 19th, involving three children who were playing in the pool at the resort.

Authorities report that the situation escalated when a 6-year-old boy purportedly dunked Griffith’s son underwater, leading her to intervene.

tiffany-lee-griffith

Tiffany Lee Griffith, aged 36, has been detained and charged with aggravated child abuse. (Courtesy of Osceola County Sheriff’s Office)

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office stated, “The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Tiffany Lee Griffith from Fort Myers, entered the pool and confronted a 6-year-old boy after he allegedly submerged her son. She then placed her hands on the boy’s shoulders and forcibly pushed him underwater for several seconds.”

The child left the pool visibly upset and had a nosebleed. He then told his parents about the incident, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

Griffith then yelled at the boy’s mother before leaving the area. Deputies later located and arrested Griffith, authorities said.

gaylord-palms-hotel

The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center (Google Maps)

Griffith later told police she was a former law enforcement officer. She worked for the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 under the name Tiffany Lee Viola, authorities told WPBF 25 News.

During her tenure, she reportedly served as a school resource officer.

Posts on the Punta Gorda Police Department Facebook page show Griffith teaching students about topics including bullying, sexting and internet safety, WPBF 25 News reported.

“She is teaching a course educating high school freshman on the negative consequences of bullying and sexting, as well as common crimes that occur involving high school students as either the perpetrator or victim,” one department post stated.

Griffith was also recognized as the department’s Employee of the Quarter in 2016, according to WPBF 25 News.

Police units responds to the scene of an emergency.

Griffith was booked into the Osceola County Jail and later released on $20,000 bond. (Getty Images)

Griffith was booked into the Osceola County Jail and later released on a $20,000 bond, according to WPBF 25 News.

The Punta Gorda Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Gaylord Hotels did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Our Chicago: Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest Comes To Chicago

Chicago Gears Up for a Spectacular New Year’s Eve Bash with Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Show Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

CHICAGO — This year marks a significant milestone for “Dick Clark’s New…
Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91

Legendary Icon and Animal Rights Advocate Brigitte Bardot Passes Away at 91

In 1969, Brigitte Bardot’s captivating allure led to her likeness becoming the…
Oklahoma man target practicing in backyard on Christmas kills neighbor

Tragic Holiday Accident: Oklahoma Man’s Backyard Target Practice Results in Neighbor’s Death

On Christmas Day, an Oklahoma man’s backyard target practice tragically resulted in…
Hamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election

Hamas Establishes New Terror Regime in Gaza: Teen Recruitment Surges Amid Controversial Elections

In the wake of a ceasefire with Israel, Hamas is reportedly using…
Unsung heroes of 2025: First responders and everyday Americans who saved lives across US

Celebrating 2025’s Unsung Heroes: First Responders and Ordinary Citizens Who Became Lifesavers Across America

This year, amidst numerous disasters, it was the quiet acts of bravery…
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Violent Altercation Erupts at Westside Bar: Three Injured in Jacksonville Shooting Incident

Authorities revealed that a confrontation inside Tipsy Bar & Grill led to…
California: Gas Line Explosion Shuts Down 5 Freeway Near Castaic

Gas Line Explosion Forces Closure of 5 Freeway Near Castaic, California: Traffic Disrupted

In a sudden and alarming event, the Interstate 5 (I-5) Freeway near…
Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s deadly attacks finally drew global attention after Trump’s intervention

Global Attention on Africa’s Christian Crisis: 2025 Attacks Highlighted Following Trump’s Involvement

JOHANNESBURG: Across sub-Saharan Africa, millions of Christians are facing a perilous Christmas…
Deadly helicopter collision in New Jersey kills one, critically injures another

Tragic Helicopter Crash in New Jersey Claims Life and Leaves One Critically Injured: What You Need to Know

On a tragic Sunday morning in Hammonton, New Jersey, a helicopter collision…
Zelenskyy says fresh Russian attack on Ukraine shows Putin's 'true attitude' ahead of Trump meeting

Historic Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting: Could It Pave the Way for a Landmark Zelenskyy-Putin Dialogue?

Sunday’s discussions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might…
Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson nabs 1,000-yard receiving mark for first time

Wan’Dale Robinson of the Giants Achieves Milestone with First 1,000-Yard Receiving Season

In the vibrant atmosphere of Allegiant Stadium, Wan’Dale Robinson took to the…
Major cities see violent crime surge as national rates plummet significantly in 2025: survey

2025 Crime Paradox: Major Cities Face Surge Amid National Decline – What You Need to Know

In 2025, the nation saw a decrease in violent crime, yet some…