Former Florida principal, teacher charged in drunken house party involving more than 100 students
According to an arrest affidavit, Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, the former principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, and Karly Anderson, a former third-grade teacher, were arrested in January by the Cocoa Police Department.
Officers said more than 100 students consumed alcohol during the principal's house party. Anderson was reportedly at the party as a guest.
'While officers were investigating the party, a juvenile was located on the front lawn experiencing an alcohol-related medical event,' officers said. 'The juvenile was so heavily intoxicated that Brevard County Fire Rescue had to respond to treat them.'
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Students told officers that 'parties like this happen once or twice a month,' according to the affidavit.
The students also said the party was advertised on Snapchat, and that Hill-Brodigan had students help prepare for it.
Investigators were told that alcohol was readily available in multiple coolers, some people were using marijuana, and one student was seen pointing a gun at another person who was recording.
NBC affiliate WESH reported that Brevard County Public Schools placed Hill-Brodigan and Anderson on leave during the investigation.
Hill-Brodigan was charged with:
One count of child neglect, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, and a $5,000 fine.
Five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a first-degree misdemeanor. Each count is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
One count of holding an open house party, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months probation, and/or a $500 fine.
Anderson was charged with:
One count of disorderly conduct, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
One count of disorderly intoxication, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
'Florida's laws dealing with open house parties and underage drinking are meant to keep our young people and communities safe. These laws are in place to deter the conduct that exposes our youth to harm and gives rise to these criminal charges,' State Attorney William Scheiner said. 'When laws are violated, the State Attorney's Office stands with law enforcement, the school board and the community we serve to hold the offenders accountable and ensure the safety of our youth.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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