Former Florida Officer Charged with Aggravated Child Abuse After Hotel Pool Incident
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Tiffany Lee Griffith, a former law enforcement officer from Florida, has been charged with aggravated child abuse following an incident at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center where she allegedly held a 6-year-old boy underwater in retaliation for an earlier altercation. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reported that the event occurred on December 19, 2025, shortly after 4:30 p.m., when three children were playing in the resort pool.
According to authorities, the conflict began when the young boy dunked Griffith’s son underwater. In response, Griffith entered the pool and confronted the child. Investigators said she forcibly held the boy underwater for several seconds, causing visible distress and a nosebleed. The victim left the pool upset and later informed his parents about the incident.
Following the confrontation, Griffith reportedly yelled at the boy’s mother before leaving the scene. Deputies subsequently located and arrested Griffith, who was booked into the Osceola County Jail and later released on a $20,000 bond.
Griffith, 36, of Fort Myers, previously served as a police officer with the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 under the name Tiffany Lee Viola. During her tenure, she worked as a school resource officer and was recognized for educating students on bullying, sexting, and internet safety. The department’s Facebook page highlighted her role in teaching high school freshmen about the consequences of bullying and related crimes, and she was named Employee of the Quarter in 2016.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office detailed the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. Aggravated child abuse charges in Florida carry significant legal consequences, reflecting the state’s commitment to protecting minors from harm. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the matter.
The case has drawn attention due to Griffith’s background in law enforcement and her previous role as an advocate against bullying. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides oversight on related matters.
Griffith’s arrest and charges come amid ongoing public scrutiny of child safety and abuse prevention, issues that law enforcement agencies nationwide are addressing with increased vigilance. The incident at a prominent Florida resort underscores the complexities involved when those entrusted with public safety face allegations of misconduct.
Those interested in child protection laws and resources can refer to the Children’s Bureau, which offers guidance on child abuse prevention and intervention. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides information on reporting and responding to child abuse.
As the legal process unfolds, Griffith’s case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding children and the responsibilities borne by adults, especially those with backgrounds in law enforcement, to uphold those protections.
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