Florida’s Roosevelt Elementary School principal hosted a rager for over 100 underage students at her home that spiraled wildly out of control.
Principal and teacher busted for out of control party
Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, the 47-year-old principal, along with Karly Anderson, a third-grade teacher aged 45, were arrested following the chaotic party that took place on January 19.
Police filed charges against Hill-Brodigan, accusing her of neglecting children and contributing to the delinquency of minors. She’s also facing legal trouble for organizing an open house party.
While her cohort Anderson also faces charges tied to child neglect and enabling underage rule-breaking.
According to an affidavit from Cocoa Beach police, first reported by Fox 35, officers arrived at Hill-Brodigan’s house around 9 PM after a flood of noise complaints and reports of drinking and drug use.
Neighbors alleged that teenagers were trespassing on their properties, cursing at residents, and causing disturbances.
When law enforcement arrived, they found over 100 minors, all dressed in coordinated t-shirts. PEOPLE magazine noted that some of the students reported, “alcohol was ready and available in multiple red/white coolers inside the residence.”
The event had reportedly been advertised on Snapchat, and students claimed that “parties like this happen once or twice a month” at Hill-Brodigan’s residence.
Police records revealed that Hill-Brodigan, prior to their arrival at the scene, had been contacted by an officer.
Claiming to be “down the street,” she promised to return and “handle the issue.” But witnesses alleged she was inside her home the entire time the night unraveled.
Roosevelt Elementary School lies about party
Initially, Hill-Brodigan denied any involvement in the event at her home, insisting she had no knowledge of the party occurring at her property as police began questioning her.
However, students contradicted her claim, alleging that she actively participated by asking some kids to help with party preparations.
Witnesses stated she appeared to sanction what was unfolding, seeming “OK with what was happening.”
Reports do suggest she asked her son to stop the party when things grew out of hand; however, he allegedly ignored her directive, and she didn’t push further to intervene.
And spiral out of control the huge party did. Several fights broke out amongst the mass of teens, while drunk minors stumbled through neighboring properties.
Once cops broke up the party, a car of fleeing teenagers nearly crashed into a patrol car and ran through a stop sign.
The underage driver failed a Breathalyzer test and had a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit for adults, while another minor in the vehicle was caught with marijuana.
At one point, police discovered a teenage boy lying on the front lawn, “vomiting and shaking.”
Brevard County Fire Rescue personnel treated the boy while Hill-Brodigan, police noted, was seen “turning off the outside lights and entering her residence,” making it necessary for fire rescue teams to use auxiliary lighting to complete the child’s treatment, according to a previous press release from the Cocoa Beach Police Department.
Anderson, who appeared intoxicated, caused further chaos as she shouted at paramedics. Allegedly referring to their patrol vehicle, she yelled about the boy being placed “in a machine.”
Officers reportedly asked her multiple times to leave them alone so proper care could continue uninterrupted. By the end of the ordeal, both Florida educators and at least two juveniles were arrested at the scene.
Roosevelt Elementary School educators bonded out
Hill-Brodigan was released from custody after posting a $3,500 bond, while Anderson made bail at $3,000.
Both have been placed on administrative leave pending an inquiry by Brevard Public Schools.
Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell made his deep concern over the matter known to the public.
“We hold our leaders to the highest of standards, and if these allegations are true, it’s a complete failure in leadership and [a] violation of our trust,” he commented to reporters.
Rendell also noted that the district is “cooperating fully with police as they investigate this matter” and pledged transparency to concerned families.
