36-year-old mother yelled at a 6-year-old boy playing with her son at the pool before holding him underwater for several seconds just because their splashing match became “aggressive”; charged
Florida – In a troubling incident in Florida, a 36‑year‑old mother, identified as T. Griffith, has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after holding a 6‑year‑old boy underwater for several seconds in a hotel pool. Authorities say Griffith’s actions stemmed from a disagreement between children over rough play, but what should have been a simple pool day turned into a frightening episode for the young victim.
Griffith is charged with aggravated child abuse, a serious felony offense in Florida that reflects the harmful nature of her conduct toward another child. According to law enforcement, Griffith’s response to the situation went far beyond normal parental discipline and resulted in injuries to the 6‑year‑old, who was visibly upset, suffered a nosebleed, and immediately reported the attack to his parents.
On December 19, 2025, just after 4:30 p.m., deputies from the sheriff’s office were called to the pool area of a resort following a report of a battery involving a child. Several witnesses told deputies that three children were playing in the pool when the splashing became “aggressive.” Among them was Griffith’s 6‑year‑old son. Witnesses said that Griffith’s son was dunked underwater by the other boy, which seemed to trigger an emotional reaction from the mother. Rather than intervening calmly or separating the children, Griffith allegedly entered the pool, yelled at the 6‑year‑old boy, and then placed her hands on his shoulders and held him underwater for several seconds. The assault occurred in front of other children and parents at the resort pool.
After the boy was submerged, he exited the pool visibly upset and with a nosebleed, quickly seeking out his own parents to tell them what had happened. Griffith then reportedly began yelling at the victim’s mother before leaving the area. Deputies located Griffith shortly after the call to dispatch and arrested her on site. She was transported to the county jail, where she was booked on one count of aggravated child abuse. Authorities say she was taken into custody without bond due to the severity of the allegation.
According to local news reports, Griffith appeared in court over the weekend following her arrest. During the hearing, her defense attorney argued that his client may not have been responsible for the child’s nosebleed. In response, the judge questioned whether submerging a child underwater with both hands on his shoulders could be considered sufficient force to cause injury. After hearing the judge’s remarks, the defense attorney responded, “I would withdraw my argument, I guess.” Griffith remains in custody at the county jail as the case continues. She is scheduled to return to court for another appearance on Tuesday.
The incident has raised concern among both local residents and parents who were present at the scene. Resort guests and families using the pool expressed shock that an adult would physically harm a child over what started as a splashing match between very young children. Authorities have emphasized that while parents have the right to protect their own children, the law does not allow adults to use excessive or harmful force against another child. Aggravated child abuse charges can carry significant penalties, especially when the victim suffers an injury as a result.
The situation remains sobering: routine pool play rapidly escalated when an adult lost control. The 6‑year‑old victim—now dealing with both physical and emotional effects of the incident—and his family are left to recover, while Griffith faces the full weight of the legal process for her actions. As the case progresses, more details may emerge during court proceedings about why Griffith reacted as she did and what consequences she will ultimately face for holding another child underwater in a moment of anger.
