A principal from a Florida school has been taken into custody following allegations of hosting a party at her residence with around 100 students and alcohol, as reported by authorities.
Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, the head of Roosevelt Elementary School, and Karly Anderson, a teacher, were both charged after Cocoa Beach police were informed about the event.
In a statement, the police department noted: “On January 19th, 2025, the Cocoa Beach Police Department responded to a residence in reference to a house party.”
“Upon arrival, officers observed over 100 juveniles at the residence in matching t-shirts, many who were consuming alcohol that was later learned to be available in coolers at the residence. The homeowner was identified as Roosevelt Elementary School’s Principal, Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan.”
Numerous students at the gathering were found to be drinking alcohol from coolers located in the home, with the press statement indicating that one student required medical attention due to ‘an alcohol-related medical event’.
As emergency personnel arrived to assist the student, it is reported that Hill-Brodigan turned off the lights and retreated inside her home.
Anderson, a third-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, reportedly approached officers while under the influence, acknowledging her role as an educator at the school.
The police conducted interviews with several teenagers and parents before detaining Hills-Brodigan and Anderson.
They face charges of child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, with authorities also reporting the arrest of a teenager for driving under the influence near the scene.
Reacting to the news, a local resident told 7News Miami: “To know that these kinds of things are happening is terrifying.”
Another community member expressed: “They’re the most precious things to you, your children, and you’re trying to raise them well, and then they have this influence in their life; it just breaks my heart.
“These kids, they trust teachers; they trust the administrators. And when you have somebody betray that trust and lead these kids down a path like that, it’s sad and scary all at the same time.”
Both educators have been granted bail and placed on administrative leave while the investigation by police continues.
The Brevard County School District released a statement saying: “We are extremely troubled by these accusations and are fully cooperating with the Cocoa Beach Police Department. Our commitment to student safety remains our top priority.”
Individuals with information regarding this matter are encouraged to reach out to Detective Rosa at 321-868-3248.