Former Florida Officer Accused of Forcing Child Underwater in Hotel Pool

It’s truly unsettling to hear about incidents that shatter our sense of safety, especially when children are involved. And frankly, the details emerging from a recent arrest in Florida are nothing short of alarming. A former law enforcement officer, 50-year-old Benjamin E. Smith, now finds himself facing serious felony child abuse charges following a deeply disturbing incident at a hotel pool in Kissimmee.

The accusations paint a pretty grim picture. Authorities allege that Smith, without provocation, grabbed a 6-year-old boy by the neck and deliberately pushed his head beneath the surface of the water. He reportedly held the child there for what was described as an unnerving stretch of time. Can you imagine the terror? The young boy was reportedly "struggling and sputtering" as he was finally released, a truly heartbreaking image to consider.

This entire harrowing sequence, we're told, unfolded on July 10th and was actually captured on the hotel’s surveillance video. It was the boy’s mother who first noticed the troubling interaction and immediately brought it to the attention of hotel staff, triggering the investigation that led to Smith’s arrest. It’s a stark reminder of how vigilant parents often are, and thankfully so.

When questioned, Smith reportedly offered a very different account of events. He denied intentionally forcing the child underwater, instead claiming that the boy had simply "jumped on his back and held his head." However, the evidence, particularly the video footage, appears to contradict this assertion quite strongly. It’s a classic he-said-she-said situation, but with an objective observer in the form of a camera.

Adding another layer to this already complex case is Smith’s background. He previously served as a corrections officer and a deputy for the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, and most recently, was employed with the Lake County Sheriff's Office from March 2021 until his resignation in June 2023. While his resignation from Lake County was reportedly in good standing, this current accusation casts a long shadow over his past public service.

Following his arrest, Smith was released from Osceola County Jail after posting a $2,500 bond. He’s now slated to appear in court on September 26th. His lawyer, speaking out on his behalf, has indicated that Smith views his actions as merely "playful" and is eager for his day in court to present his side of the story. Still, "playful" doesn't quite align with reports of a child struggling for air.

At this point, the exact relationship between Smith and the child, if any, remains unclear in the public reports. Was he a family friend, a stranger, or simply another guest? What we do know is that a hotel employee confirmed Smith had been a guest at that particular Kissimmee establishment since April. This incident, understandably, has sparked a conversation about accountability, the safety of our children in public spaces, and the grave responsibility that comes with any position of trust, perceived or otherwise.

As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely, hoping for a clear resolution and, most importantly, for justice for the young boy involved.