BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – The 18th Judicial Circuit’s Office announced Tuesday it filed charges against two Florida educators accused of holding a drunken house party involving more than 100 students.
Elizabeth Hill Brodigan, former principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, and former third-grade teacher Carly Anderson, were arrested in January by the Cocoa Police Department, according to an arrest affidavit.
Officers said more than 100 students consumed alcohol during the principal’s house party. Anderson reportedly attended the party as a guest.
“While the officers were investigating the party, they were placed on the lawn before the boy was experiencing alcohol-related medical events,” the officer said. “The boy was very drunk and the Brevard County Fire Rescue had to respond to them to treat them.”
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According to the affidavit, the student told the officers “those parties happen once or twice a month.”
Students also said the party was being promoted on Snapchat and Hill-Brodigan had students help prepare it.
Investigators said alcohol is readily available in multiple coolers, some people were using marijuana and one student was seen pointing a gun at another person recording it.
NBC affiliate Wesh reported that Brevard County public schools placed Hill-Brodigan and Anderson on vacation during the investigation.
Hill Brodigan was charged with:
Three felony charges will be punished by a count of child neglect, up to five years of prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine. Five counts, first-degree misdemeanors contributing to minor delinquency. Each count is punished by a maximum of one year prison and a $1,000 fine. Penalize a second misdemeanor with one count hosting an open house party, up to 60 days of prison, six months of probation and/or a $500 fine.
Anderson was accused:
Anarchic conduct of one count, a second misdemeanor punished in prison for up to 60 days, a $500 fine, an arc of disorderly addiction, a second misdemeanor punished in prison for up to 60 days, a $500 fine.
“Florida laws dealing with open house parties and underage drinking are aimed at keeping youth and communities safe. These laws are in place to stop our youth from harming our youth and causing these criminal charges,” State Attorney William Shayner said. “If we violate the law, the State Attorney’s Office is standing with law enforcement, the school board and the community that helps us to hold criminals accountable and ensure the safety of our youth.”
