Honk News (Cocoa Beach, FL) – A principal from a Florida elementary school has been taken into custody for reportedly hosting a house party with alcohol that drew over 100 underage attendees, one of whom required medical attention for severe intoxication, as stated by law enforcement.
On Sunday, January 19, authorities in Cocoa Beach responded to a residence where a significant gathering was occurring, according to a statement from Cocoa Beach Police. Authorities reportedly discovered over 100 young individuals wearing identical t-shirts, with many partaking in alcohol that was later revealed to be stored in coolers at the location, according to police.
Authorities discovered a young person on the front lawn who was “experiencing an alcohol-related medical event,” according to police reports.
“The juvenile was so heavily intoxicated that Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) had to respond to treat them,” according to the release.
Authorities have confirmed that the individual in question is Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, 47, the principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, residing in Cocoa Beach, according to the police statement.
As EMTs provided care for the young individual, authorities reported that Hill-Brodigan was observed by officers in her driveway disabling the exterior lights and going inside her home, prompting BCFR to activate the auxiliary lights on their vehicle to assist with the treatment of the juvenile.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, an inebriated woman named Karly Anderson, 45, reportedly approached the officers present, claiming to be a teacher who had attended the gathering, according to the police statement.
Authorities discovered that she worked as an educator at Roosevelt Elementary School.
In the days that followed, detectives from Cocoa Beach Police conducted interviews with various juveniles and their parents.
Authorities have secured an arrest warrant for Hill-Brodigan, facing charges of child neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and hosting a “open house party,” according to police reports.
Anderson has been taken into custody, confronting allegations of child neglect and aiding in the delinquency of a minor.
On Saturday morning, Hill-Brodigan was released after posting a bail of $3,500, as reported by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Anderson has been freed after posting a bail of $3,000. Their legal representation status remains uncertain at this time.
A young individual was taken into custody for a suspected DUI following a traffic stop that occurred close to a home, according to law enforcement officials.
Brevard Public Schools announced that both women are on administrative leave while a police investigation is underway.
“We are extremely troubled by these accusations and are fully cooperating with the Cocoa Beach Police Department,” the district said. “Our commitment to student safety remains our top priority.”
Authorities are urging individuals with any details to reach out to investigators at 321-868-3248.