Ex-Officer Charged After Dunking Child in Kissimmee Hotel Pool

The incident

Investigators say three children were playing in the resort pool shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 19. According to reports, splashing escalated when a 6-year-old dunked Griffith’s son under water. In response, Griffith entered the pool, grabbed the boy’s shoulders and forced him under water for several seconds. The child emerged upset and with a nosebleed and reported the encounter to his parents. (Reporting cited by DayTon247Now and Fox News.)

Evidence and investigation

Osceola County deputies took statements and reviewed available video and 911 calls. Authorities say there is both video evidence and 911 recordings related to the incident, but those materials are being withheld while the state attorney reviews the case. The sheriff’s office has not released the footage publicly, and Gaylord Hotels did not respond to media requests about whether a lifeguard was on duty.

“Video evidence and 911 recordings exist but are being held by the state attorney for review,” investigators said, according to reporting.

Arrest and court proceedings

Arrest: Griffith was arrested by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, booked into the county jail, and later released on a $20,000 bond. She is charged with aggravated child abuse, a felony that can carry significant penalties if proven.

Court: A no-contact order bars Griffith from contacting the victim and his family while the case proceeds. Courtroom video of a hearing captured Griffith’s attorney questioning whether the nosebleed occurred in the water or after the child reached his parents; that claim was later withdrawn. A hearing was reported for Dec. 23, 2025. (See Courtroom video: Osceola County court hearing.)

Public reaction and social media

News of the arrest generated a strong public response. The sheriff’s office Facebook post drew more than 3,000 comments, many condemning any adult’s physical contact with another person’s child. Local attorneys and commentators emphasized that, regardless of provocation, physical retaliation against a child is widely viewed as inappropriate. Attorney Mark NeJame, not involved in the case, told media such conduct is unacceptable and parents should not take matters into their own hands.

Background on Tiffany Lee Griffith

Griffith told investigators she has a law enforcement background. Records show she worked for the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 under the name Tiffany Lee Viola. During her tenure she served as a school resource officer and was recognized as Employee of the Quarter in 2016 for work that included student instruction on bullying, internet safety, sexting and teen crimes. Both the Punta Gorda Police Department and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office declined further comment; Gaylord Hotels did not issue a statement.

Legal standards and possible charges

In Florida, aggravated child abuse is a serious felony. Proving the charge typically requires evidence that the defendant intentionally caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or knowingly committed an act that could produce such harm. Prosecutors will review video, witness statements, medical reports and 911 calls as they decide whether to pursue the case; the state attorney currently holds the video evidence for review.

Pool safety, resort responsibility, and unanswered questions

The incident raises questions about pool supervision and a resort’s duty of care. It remains unclear whether a lifeguard was on duty at the Gaylord Palms pool. Legal experts note that the presence or absence of trained lifeguards, clear signage, staff intervention policies and retention of surveillance footage could affect civil liability for an incident like this. Gaylord Hotels did not respond to requests about staffing and safety policies.

Investigative sources and reporting notes

This article is based on law enforcement reports and media coverage, including reporting by Times Media Service outlets. Key reporting sources include DayTon247Now and Fox News, as well as publicly available courtroom video. Officials have not released all evidence while the state attorney reviews the case.

Implications for San Diego, California

Public safety and tourism: High-profile incidents at hotel pools can raise guest concerns. San Diego hospitality operators may need to proactively explain lifeguard presence, staff training and safety policies to protect reputation and business.

Park and pool oversight: Local pool managers and private hotels might review lifeguard staffing, surveillance retention and staff intervention policies, and consider stronger signage about adult conduct near children.

Law enforcement and community trust: Because the accused has a law enforcement background, the case can heighten public interest. Agencies may be expected to communicate transparently about background checks and responses when former officers are implicated in alleged misconduct.

Legal and parental guidance: The case underscores legal boundaries for parents and bystanders. Community organizations, schools and law enforcement partners could use such incidents to teach reporting, de-escalation and child safety.

Practical steps for families: Ask hotels about lifeguards before booking, supervise children closely near water, and report aggressive behavior immediately to staff. Families may press for clearer hotel policies on adult behavior and visible enforcement of pool rules.

Sources

• DayTon247Now: Woman arrested on child abuse after holding boy underwater during altercation at Gaylord Palms hotel
• Fox News: Former Florida law enforcement officer accused of forcing 6-year-old underwater at hotel pool
• Courtroom video: Osceola County court hearing

Reporting by Times Media Service. Additional reporting from public records and available court video.