Florida elementary school principal, teacher arrested after hosting house party with underage drinking: Police

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Florida elementary school principal, teacher arrested after hosting house party with underage drinking: Police

The Brief

A Brevard County principal and third-grade teacher were arrested after hosting a house party where over 100 juveniles, some drinking alcohol, attended.

Police found an intoxicated child needing medical treatment and arrested a juvenile driver for DUI near the scene.

Both educators face multiple charges, including child neglect, and have been placed on administrative leave by the school district.

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – The principal of a Brevard County elementary school and a third-grade teacher have been arrested, facing multiple charges stemming from an open house party where more than 100 kids attended, some of whom consumed alcohol, police say.

Children ages 13 to 17 are said to have attended party

What we know

The Cocoa Beach Police Department said officers responded to a residence on Sunday for a reported party involving dozens of juveniles. The owner of the home on Country Club Rd. has been identified as Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, principal of Roosevelt Elementary School.

During the investigation, officers said they found a “heavily intoxicated” child on the front lawn suffering from a medical emergency. Brevard County Fire Rescue EMS (BCFR) was called to treat the child. During the incident, Hill-Brodigan reportedly turned off the home’s exterior lights, hindering EMS efforts.

Police described the event as a “white lie party,” with attendees aged 13 to 17 wearing customized white t-shirts that were marked with a “white lie.” Investigators said the party also drew kids from outside the Cocoa Beach area, presumably from other Brevard County schools.

Karly Anderson, an adult at the party who identified herself as a teacher, also appeared intoxicated, according to authorities. She was later confirmed to be a third-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School.

A separate traffic stop near the home resulted in the arrest of a juvenile driver on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to a spokesman with the police department.

While responding to the house party, a hoax swatting call was received.

What they’re saying

“It’s absolutely inappropriate just on its face, and it’s even more inappropriate considering these people’s standing in the community,” said Detective Sgt. Taylor Payne of the Cocoa Beach Police Department.

Payne said investigators believe the hoax call was made to divert officers from the party.

“We believe this was made to have officers leave that area,” Payne explained. “This phone call detailed that there were people holding people at gunpoint, people were shooting weapons off, and this was alleged to be at the skate park, then Sidney Fischer Park.”

In response, the Brevard County School District expressed concern, stating to FOX 35 News, “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.”

The district added that both Hill-Brodigan and Anderson have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an active police investigation.

What we don’t know

It is still unclear who made the hoax swatting call that diverted police attention during the investigation.

It was also not immediately known how many juveniles at the party consumed alcohol or required further assistance, or whether other adults were involved in organizing or facilitating the event.

Timeline

Police responded to the reported house party on Sunday night and said they found juveniles consuming alcohol and an intoxicated juvenile on the lawn. Officers also responded to a DUI incident involving a juvenile who allegedly attended the party.

Following interviews with children and parents over the course of the week, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Hill-Brodigan on charges of child neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and hosting an open house party. Anderson was also arrested and charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Hill-Brodigan and Anderson were arrested on Friday.

Why you should care

Police said the allegations against the two adults represent serious lapses in judgment by individuals entrusted with educating and safeguarding children.

Payne also emphasized that the involvement of juveniles consuming alcohol, a DUI arrest that put a police officer in harm’s way, and a hoax swatting call underline the potential for severe consequences.

“The Cocoa Beach Police Department has a zero-tolerance stance on this kind of behavior, especially when it comes to people who are role models — people in charge of these children and younger, every single day,” Payne added.

What’s next

Hill-Brodigan and Anderson are expected to appear before a Brevard County judge after bonds are set, respectively. The police department continues to investigate who made the hoax swatting call, and they will likely be facing charges as well.

Anyone with additional information regarding the case is urged to contact the Cocoa Beach Police Department at 321-868-3248.

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The Source

This story was written based on information shared by the Cocoa Beach Police Department and the Brevard County School District.

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