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Florida Teacher and Principal Face Charges After Underage Drinking Party
In Cocoa Beach, Florida, authorities have charged an elementary school principal and a teacher following an incident at a house party. The educators are implicated in an event where underage drinking occurred, with at least one minor requiring medical attention due to severe intoxication, according to officials. This house party case has drawn significant attention in Brevard County, raising concerns about supervision and responsibility of school staff.
Body Camera Footage Reveals Party Scene
Newly released body camera footage, part of the evidence in the ongoing criminal case, depicts the events that prompted the January arrests of Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, former principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, and teacher Karly Anderson. The video footage offers a glimpse into the chaotic scene that unfolded at the private residence.
Discovery of Underage Drinking
Law enforcement responded to reports of a house party at Hill-Brodigan’s Cocoa Beach residence on January 19. Upon arrival, officers encountered approximately 100 juveniles at the location, police reports indicated. The large gathering of juveniles raised immediate concerns for law enforcement.
Intoxicated Minor Requires Medical Aid
Authorities stated that one juvenile was discovered on the front lawn in a state of extreme inebriation, necessitating medical intervention from Brevard County Fire Rescue. The severely intoxicated minor’s condition underscored the seriousness of the situation.
The body camera recording captures an officer informing a Fire Rescue personnel that the 17-year-old male had been vomiting and required medical evaluation. The officer notes in the video that the juvenile was “not responsive or anything.” The incident highlighted the potential dangers of underage drinking at unsupervised parties.
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Teacher Identified at Scene
Police reports detail that while officers were present at the residence, Anderson approached them and identified herself as a teacher employed at Roosevelt Elementary.
Footage from the body camera shows Anderson seemingly slurring her speech as an officer questioned her regarding the gathering.
In the video, the officer states, “There were, like, 200 kids here, drinking.” Anderson reportedly interrupted, saying, “I’ve already known.”
The officer informs Anderson that she also appeared intoxicated and that he could “smell it,” which she denied, according to the video evidence.
At one juncture, becoming visibly frustrated during the exchange, the officer told Anderson: “You’re here with your boss, having a party with 200 kids who are drinking! Get out of my face!”
School District Response
Following the incident, Brevard Public Schools placed both Anderson and Hill-Brodigan on suspension. The school district appointed an acting principal for Roosevelt Elementary and announced intentions to find a permanent replacement for Hill-Brodigan. The swift school district action reflects the gravity of the allegations.
Superintendent Mark Rendell expressed his deep concern regarding the incident in a January letter addressed to parents.
“We maintain the highest expectations for our leaders, and should these allegations prove accurate, it represents a complete failure of leadership and a breach of our community’s trust,” he stated.
Charges Against Hill-Brodigan
The 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office indicated that Hill-Brodigan faces charges of child neglect, five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and hosting an open house party. These serious charges carry potential legal repercussions.
Charges Against Anderson
Prosecutors stated that Anderson is charged with one count each of disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication. Disorderly conduct and intoxication charges reflect the alleged behavior at the scene.
Court Proceedings
Court records reveal that the state attorney’s office formally filed these charges on March 31. As per online court records, pleas have not yet been entered. Both women have been released on bond. The court case is ongoing and further details will emerge as proceedings continue.
Attorney for Hill-Brodigan Investigates
Kepler Funk, Hill-Brodigan’s attorney, conveyed that his office is still investigating the situation and offered no further comment on Wednesday evening.
Anderson’s Attorney Claims No Party Involvement
An attorney representing Anderson informed NBC affiliate WESH in Orlando that Anderson had no involvement with the party. The attorney stated that Anderson and Hill-Brodigan were dining out when they received information about the party at Hill-Brodigan’s residence and returned to discover students departing.