Florida principal and teacher charged after 100 minors were at house party with alcohol

Late last month, a Florida teacher and an elementary school principal were charged in connection with a house party where minors were drinking, including one who needed medical treatment due to intoxication, according to officials.

Body camera footage released this month as part of the criminal case revealed the events leading to the arrests of former Roosevelt Elementary School principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan and teacher Karly Anderson in January.

Police were summoned to Hill-Brodigan’s residence in Cocoa Beach on Jan. 19 following reports of a house party. Upon arrival, officers discovered approximately 100 juveniles present at the scene, as stated by the police at that time.

One of the minors was found on the front lawn in a highly intoxicated state, requiring Brevard County Fire Rescue to provide treatment, police reported.

In the body camera footage, an officer informs a Fire Rescue official that the 17-year-old boy had been vomiting and needed medical attention as he was unresponsive.

Anderson, who identified herself as a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, approached the officers while they were at the scene, as per police statements.

A video clip shows Anderson appearing to be intoxicated and having a conversation with an officer about the party. The officer mentioned the large number of kids present and Anderson interrupted, acknowledging that she was aware.

The officer then accused Anderson of being drunk, citing that he could smell alcohol on her, to which she denied. Expressing frustration, the officer told Anderson to leave, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Following the incident, Brevard Public Schools suspended Anderson and Hill-Brodigan. The school district appointed an acting principal for Roosevelt Elementary and outlined their intentions to find a replacement for Hill-Brodigan.

Superintendent Mark Rendell expressed deep concern over the incident in a letter to parents, emphasizing the expectation of high standards for their leaders.

Hill-Brodigan is facing charges including child neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and hosting an open house party, according to the 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Anderson, on the other hand, is charged with disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication.

The charges were filed by the state attorney’s office on March 31, with court records indicating no plea entered. Both women are currently out on bond.

Hill-Brodigan’s attorney, Kepler Funk, stated that they are investigating the matter and declined to comment. Meanwhile, an attorney for Anderson informed NBC affiliate WESH of Orlando that Anderson was not involved in the party and that she and Hill-Brodigan were having dinner when they were alerted about the gathering at Hill-Brodigan’s home. Upon their return, they found students dispersing.