Two school officials in Florida have found themselves in serious trouble after getting arrested when police raided a large party involving underage drinking earlier this month.

Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, faces charges for “hosting an open house party,” contributing to the delinquency of minors, and child neglect as detailed by the Cocoa Beach Police Department.

Karly Anderson, a teacher from the same school, was found to be drunk at the scene. She is charged with child neglect and also contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Both have since been released from jail after posting bail.

The arrests were linked to a party held at Hill-Brodigan’s residence on January 19. Authorities received multiple complaints about minors drinking alcohol, loud noises, and profanity, according to Florida Today, part of YSL News Network.

Officers claimed they encountered “over 100 juveniles wearing identical t-shirts, many of whom were consuming alcohol that was later identified as being stored in coolers around the house.”

Details From the Police Report About the Party

When officers arrived around 8:45 p.m., they contacted Hill-Brodigan to inform her about the party involving minors drinking and using marijuana at her place, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Florida Today. She indicated she was nearby and would address the issue, assuring them the music would stop by 10 p.m.

However, less than ten minutes later, police received another call reporting the party was still ongoing. During a traffic stop, a juvenile exiting the party informed officers that someone had displayed a gun at the event, although no weapons were discovered at the house, police reported. Hill-Brodigan approached an officer when they passed by, claiming she was in the process of shutting it down.

Officers initially responded to an unverified report of gunshots and “satanic activity” at a nearby skatepark before returning to Hill-Brodigan’s residence, where they found most of the party was winding down.

At around 11:40 p.m., during a traffic stop involving two intoxicated minors, one officer spotted a boy throwing up and trembling in Hill-Brodigan’s front yard.

Emergency services from Cocoa Beach Fire Rescue and Brevard County Fire Rescue were called in to provide medical assistance to the boy.

Witness Statements About the Principal’s Attitude

Initially, Hill-Brodigan was seen observing from her driveway. Shortly after, she went inside and turned off the front lights of her house.

As the boy who was vomiting was monitored in the back of a patrol vehicle, Anderson, who teaches third grade, approached the police. She expressed her discontent about the boy being put “in a machine” and mentioned that she had been socializing at the party, as per the officers’ reports.

Law enforcement noted that she exhibited slow and slurred speech, had the odor of alcohol, and her mood fluctuated between anger and calmness during their brief discussion.

On January 20, police contacted Anderson by phone, and she claimed she did not engage in the party at Hill-Brodigan’s. She stated that her friend, Hill-Brodigan, had invited her out for drinks, assuring them that Hill-Brodigan only had one drink.

She emphasized that her children were not at the party and mentioned she doesn’t participate in underage gatherings. She opted not to provide a sworn statement.

On the same day, police spoke with Hill-Brodigan by phone. Initially, she agreed to give a sworn statement but later decided against it.

Detectives conducted interviews with minors and their parents as part of the investigation. The police reported that students confirmed the attendance of over 100 peers and indicated such parties occur once or twice each month. They acknowledged knowing Hill-Brodigan was the principal of Roosevelt Elementary, according to Florida Today.

Students told officers some began to arrive at the house as early as 7:45 p.m., stating that Hill-Brodigan had asked them to help prepare for the party, where alcohol was reportedly supplied in several red and white coolers. Marijuana was also consumed, according to the students, and a video taken by one student showed a male juvenile wearing a mask and filming with a firearm—which students described as a Beretta—while pointing it at the camera.

Multiple fights reportedly broke out during the event, according to the students, who asserted that Hill-Brodigan made no attempt to stop the party and seemed to be “okay with what was happening.” It was mentioned that she instructed her son to end the party, but he did not comply, although no further details about the son were provided.

Administrative Actions Against the Educators

Both individuals have reportedly been placed on administrative leave. As of Tuesday morning, Hill-Brodigan’s profile on the school’s website leads to a non-existent page.

Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell addressed the situation through a community letter, as reported by Spectrum News.

“We hold our leaders to the highest of standards, and if these allegations are true, it’s a complete failure in leadership and violation of our trust,” stated Rendell. “The district is fully cooperating with police during this investigation and aims to ensure full transparency for families.”

YSL News has reached out to Brevard Public Schools for further comments.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter.