Former Officer Accused of Child Abuse at Florida Resort Pool
In a disturbing incident at a Florida hotel pool, a former police officer faces serious charges after allegedly assaulting a child who had interacted with her son. Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, from Fort Myers, was arrested on aggravated child abuse charges following an altercation at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee on December 19. What makes this case particularly jarring is Griffith’s background: she previously worked in law enforcement and even taught children about the dangers of bullying.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred when three children were playing in the resort pool. Investigators report that a 6-year-old boy allegedly dunked Griffith’s son underwater during play. This apparently triggered Griffith to intervene aggressively, entering the pool and confronting the child. Authorities claim she placed her hands on the boy’s shoulders and forcibly held him underwater for several seconds. The traumatized child emerged from the pool visibly upset and suffering from a nosebleed, at which point he informed his parents about what had transpired. Witnesses report that Griffith then verbally confronted the boy’s mother before leaving the area. Deputies later located and arrested her.
The irony of this situation is striking given Griffith’s professional background. She served with the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 under the name Tiffany Lee Viola. During her time as an officer, she worked as a school resource officer and was actively involved in educational programs. According to local media reports, social media posts from the Punta Gorda Police Department show Griffith teaching students about various issues, including the very topic of bullying. One department post highlighted how she taught high school freshmen about “the negative consequences of bullying and sexting, as well as common crimes that occur involving high school students as either the perpetrator or victim.” Her work was apparently valued enough that she received recognition as the department’s Employee of the Quarter in 2016.
The contrast between Griffith’s past role as a protector and educator and her current situation is stark. As someone who once held a position of authority and trust, particularly in relation to children’s welfare, the allegations against her are all the more troubling. School resource officers are typically expected to serve as positive role models and mentors, building relationships with young people and helping create safe environments. They often become trusted figures for students navigating the challenges of growing up. For someone who once occupied such a position to allegedly harm a child in a fit of anger represents a profound betrayal of those principles.
This incident raises important questions about impulse control, conflict resolution, and how adults should appropriately intervene in situations involving children. Pool settings are meant to be places of fun and relaxation, particularly at family-friendly resorts like the Gaylord Palms. When children play together, minor conflicts and roughhousing can naturally occur. Most parenting experts suggest that adults should respond to such situations with calm guidance, teaching moment opportunities, and proportionate interventions focused on safety and learning. Using physical force against someone else’s child, especially in a way that could cause harm or fear, crosses fundamental boundaries of appropriate behavior regardless of one’s background or profession.
After her arrest, Griffith was booked into the Osceola County Jail and later released on a $20,000 bond. The case will now proceed through the legal system, where she will face the aggravated child abuse charges. For the family of the 6-year-old boy, the incident represents a traumatic experience during what was likely intended to be a pleasant vacation. For Griffith, it represents a serious legal challenge with potential consequences for her future, standing in stark contrast to her former career dedicated to upholding the law and protecting the vulnerable. And for the wider community, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure in challenging situations, especially those involving children, regardless of one’s background or professional training.
