Former Florida Cop Tiffany Lee Griffith Arrested for Holding 6-Year-Old Boy Underwater in Hotel Pool Retaliation After He Dunked Her Son

A former Florida law enforcement officer who once addressed students about the dangers of bullying is now facing serious criminal charges after being accused of violently assaulting a child at a hotel pool. Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, was arrested on December 19 and charged with aggravated child abuse following an incident at a popular Orlando resort that authorities say escalated rapidly and resulted in physical injury to a six-year-old boy.

The case has drawn widespread attention because of Tiffany Lee Griffith’s background as a former police officer and school resource officer, roles traditionally associated with protecting children and modeling appropriate behavior. Investigators allege that Griffith’s actions were motivated by anger and retaliation after she believed the child had been repeatedly dunking her own son in the pool.

The incident occurred at the Gaylord Palms Hotel, a large family-oriented resort frequented by tourists. According to police reports and security footage reviewed by investigators, what began as a dispute between children in a swimming pool quickly became a matter for criminal prosecution. The allegations against Tiffany Lee Griffith stand in stark contrast to her prior public image as an advocate against bullying, raising broader questions about accountability, use of force, and the responsibilities carried by individuals with law enforcement training even after leaving the profession.

The Poolside Incident and Criminal Allegations

According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded when Tiffany Lee Griffith noticed what she believed to be rough play involving her eight-year-old son, who she told authorities has autism. Investigators say Griffith entered the hotel pool and began yelling at a six-year-old boy whom she accused of repeatedly dunking her son underwater. Witness statements and surveillance video indicate that the situation quickly escalated beyond verbal confrontation.

Police allege that Tiffany Lee Griffith placed both of her hands on the young boy’s shoulders and forcibly pushed him underwater, holding him there for approximately two to three seconds. While the duration may appear brief, authorities emphasized that any act of submerging a child underwater against their will carries a significant risk of injury or death. The sheriff’s office described the act as intentional and forceful, not accidental or defensive.

After being released, the boy reportedly exited the pool visibly distressed. Police said he was crying, shaken, and bleeding from his nose. The child’s injuries, though not described as life-threatening, were sufficient to raise concerns among responding officers and medical personnel. Investigators noted that the boy’s physical state and emotional reaction were consistent with someone who had been forcibly held underwater.

Following the incident, Tiffany Lee Griffith allegedly turned her anger toward the boy’s mother, shouting at her before leaving the pool area. Hotel staff and guests later provided statements, and the resort’s security footage was obtained by law enforcement as part of the investigation. The video reportedly corroborated key aspects of witness accounts, showing Griffith approaching the child and holding him underwater.

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Tiffany Griffith, 36, charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.

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Based on the evidence gathered, authorities arrested Tiffany Lee Griffith and charged her with aggravated child abuse, a felony offense under Florida law. She was booked into the Osceola County Jail, where the charge reflected the seriousness with which prosecutors view the alleged conduct. Law enforcement officials stressed that the case involves an adult allegedly using physical force against a child in a manner that could have resulted in serious harm.

Griffith’s Background as a Law Enforcement Officer and School Resource Officer

The case has drawn particular scrutiny because of Tiffany Lee Griffith’s professional history. Records show that she previously worked for the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 under the name Tiffany Lee Viola. During her tenure, she served not only as a patrol officer but also as a school resource officer, a role that places officers directly in educational settings to build trust with students, prevent violence, and address issues such as bullying and cyber misconduct.

Tiffany Lee Griffith’s career included recognition from her department. In 2016, she was named employee of the quarter, an award typically given for exemplary service or professionalism. Publicly available photos and online posts show her participating in school programs, including speaking engagements with high school freshmen at Charlotte High School. In those sessions, she addressed topics such as bullying, sexting, and responsible behavior, emphasizing the emotional and psychological harm that aggressive conduct can inflict on young people.

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These aspects of her background have intensified public reaction to the allegations. Commentators and community members have pointed to the apparent contradiction between her past advocacy against bullying and the violent act she is now accused of committing. While law enforcement agencies emphasize that former officers are held to the same legal standards as any other citizen, the expectation of restraint and judgment associated with police training has featured prominently in public discussion of the case.

The Punta Gorda Police Department has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the incident, and Tiffany Lee Griffith was no longer employed by the agency at the time of her arrest. Nevertheless, her former role has raised questions about how individuals trained in use-of-force principles and conflict de-escalation should conduct themselves in civilian settings, particularly around children.

Legal analysts have noted that prosecutors may consider Tiffany Lee Griffith’s background when presenting the case, not as a separate charge but as context demonstrating that she should have been aware of the risks associated with her actions. Defense attorneys, by contrast, often argue that prior law enforcement service should not be used to prejudice a jury, emphasizing that the case must be judged solely on the facts of the incident itself.

Court Proceedings, Defense Claims, and Broader Implications

Following her arrest, Tiffany Lee Griffith appeared at a pretrial release hearing, where the court heard arguments regarding bond and conditions of release. During the hearing, Griffith’s husband testified on her behalf, stating that she believed her son was in danger and that her actions were driven by fear rather than malice. He described the situation as one in which Griffith perceived an immediate threat to their child’s safety.

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Prosecutors, however, argued that the response was disproportionate and dangerous, particularly given that the alleged victim was a six-year-old child. They emphasized that even if Tiffany Lee Griffith believed her son was being mistreated, the appropriate response would have been to alert hotel staff, contact a lifeguard, or remove her son from the pool rather than physically assault another child.

The judge ultimately granted Tiffany Lee Griffith pretrial release on a $20,000 bond. As part of her release, she is expected to comply with standard conditions, which may include restrictions on contact with minors other than her own children and requirements to attend future court hearings. The case is expected to proceed through the Florida criminal justice system, where prosecutors will need to prove the aggravated child abuse charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

The incident has sparked broader discussion about parental reactions, particularly in situations involving children with special needs. Advocates for children with autism have stressed the importance of ensuring safe environments while also underscoring that violence against other children is never an acceptable solution. Legal experts note that while courts may consider context and intent during sentencing, the act of forcibly holding a child underwater is viewed as inherently dangerous under the law.

The case also highlights the enduring scrutiny placed on former law enforcement officers when they become involved in criminal cases. While Tiffany Lee Griffith is legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, the contrast between her previous public role and the current allegations has amplified public interest. The proceedings will likely examine not only what happened in the pool but also whether Griffith’s response crossed the line from parental concern into criminal behavior.

As the legal process continues, the focus will remain on the evidence, including surveillance footage, witness testimony, and medical assessments of the child involved. The outcome of the case may carry implications for how similar incidents are charged and prosecuted, particularly when they involve adults with professional backgrounds in law enforcement or child advocacy roles.