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
Rare moment caught on camera as three tornadoes touch down in California

Unprecedented Capture: Trio of Tornadoes Simultaneously Touch Down in California

On Tuesday, California’s Central Valley experienced a rare surge of tornado activity,…
Prosecutors seek 30-year prison term for South Korea's Yoon for drone flights over Pyongyang

Prosecutors Request 30-Year Sentence for South Korea’s Yoon Over Drone Operations in Pyongyang

On Friday, South Korean prosecutors called for a 30-year prison sentence for…
Archaeologists make 'remarkable' discovery from bloodiest battle in Scottish history after nearly 280 years

Unveiling History: Stunning Archaeological Find from Scotland’s Bloodiest Battle After 280 Years

In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists have unearthed an unexploded mortar shell from…
Ukraine pitches 'Donnyland' to honor Trump's aid against Russia: report

Ukraine Proposes ‘Donnyland’ Tribute to Recognize Trump’s Support in Russia Conflict

According to a recent report, Ukrainian officials have proposed renaming a portion…
NTSB report details how controller decision and tech failures led to deadly runway collision

NTSB Report Reveals Controller Decisions and Technical Failures Contributed to Fatal Runway Collision

A recent federal investigation has uncovered a series of safety lapses that…
2 Washington men spent decades under identities taken from dead children: police

Decades-Long Identity Fraud Uncovered: Washington Men Used Deceased Children’s Identities, Police Report

Two men in their 50s face allegations of assuming the identities of…
Long Island PTA mom accused of stealing $50K from elementary school while she served as NYPD officer

Long Island PTA Mom and NYPD Officer Charged with Embezzling $50K from Elementary School Funds

On Wednesday, authorities reported the arrest of a PTA mom from Long…
Iran has 'open window' to negotiate, but 'clock is not on their side,' Pete Hegseth says

Pete Hegseth: Iran Faces Time-Sensitive Opportunity for Diplomatic Negotiations

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently addressed the potential for negotiations with…
What to know if your flight is canceled amid rising jet fuel costs

Essential Tips for Navigating Flight Cancellations as Jet Fuel Prices Climb

Passenger rights differ significantly based on your flight destination. Here’s what you…
House Ethics quietly probed NC Dem Alma Adams, 79, for alleged 'inappropriate relationship' with staffer

House Ethics Investigation Targets NC Democrat Alma Adams Over Alleged Staffer Misconduct

A Democratic member of Congress faced a discreet investigation by the House…
NYPD cop racked up more than 500 speeding tickets in NYC since 2022: report

Shocking NYC Report: NYPD Officer Accumulates Over 500 Speeding Violations Since 2022 – A Deep Dive

An NYPD officer has been identified as one of New York City’s…
Trump threatens to 'finish it up militarily' if Iran refuses to make a deal

Trump Warns of Military Action if Iran Talks Fail

On Thursday afternoon, President Trump announced his intention to resume military strikes…