The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office says Tiffany Lee Griffith, a 36-year-old former Punta Gorda police officer, was arrested after allegedly dunking a 6-year-old boy underwater at the Gaylord Palms Resort pool in Kissimmee on Dec. 19. The child left the pool upset and with a nosebleed and later told his parents what happened. Griffith — who previously served as a school resource officer and led student safety talks — was booked and released on a $20,000 bond. Local agencies have not yet commented.
Former Florida School Resource Officer Arrested After Alleged Forcible Dunking Of 6-Year-Old At Resort Pool
Former Florida law enforcement officer accused of forcing 6-year-old underwater in hotel pool: report
A 36-year-old woman identified as Tiffany Lee Griffith was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after authorities say she forcibly dunked a 6-year-old boy at the Gaylord Palms Resort pool in Kissimmee, Florida.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says the incident occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 while three children were playing in the resort pool. Investigators allege the boy dunked Griffith's son underwater, prompting Griffith to enter the pool and confront the child.
"The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Tiffany Lee Griffith of Fort Myers, entered the pool and yelled at a 6-year-old boy after he allegedly dunked her 6-year-old son underwater. The suspect then placed her hands on the victim’s shoulders and forcibly dunked him underwater for several seconds," the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said.
According to authorities, the boy left the pool visibly upset and had a nosebleed. He later told his parents what had happened. Deputies say Griffith then yelled at the boy’s mother before leaving the area; she was later located and arrested.
Griffith was booked into the Osceola County Jail and later released on $20,000 bond.
When questioned, Griffith told police she is a former law enforcement officer. Public records and local reporting show she worked for the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 under the name Tiffany Lee Viola and served as a school resource officer during that time. Department social posts indicate she led presentations for students on bullying, sexting and internet safety, and she was recognized as Employee of the Quarter in 2016.
Griffith was booked into the Osceola County Jail and later released on a $20,000 bond, local reports say. The Punta Gorda Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Gaylord Hotels did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Charges and next steps: Griffith faces aggravated child abuse charges stemming from the alleged incident. Further details about any pending court dates were not available in initial reports.
