Cocoa Beach, FL – Two Brevard County educators are facing criminal charges in connection with a teenage house party in Cocoa Beach, where more than 100 juveniles were present, many of whom had access to alcohol. The State Attorney’s Office for the 18th Judicial Circuit announced the charges on Tuesday.

Principal Faces Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, the former principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, is charged with one count of child neglect, a third-degree felony that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.

She is also facing five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, each classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, with potential penalties of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine per count. Additionally, Hill-Brodigan is charged with holding an open house party, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a $500 fine.

Teacher Charged with Disorderly Conduct

Karly Anderson, a former third-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, has been charged with one count of disorderly conduct and one count of disorderly intoxication. Both are second-degree misdemeanors, each carrying a potential penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Authorities stated that Anderson approached officers while intoxicated and identified herself as a teacher who had been at the party. However, in a later interview with Inside Edition, she denied attending the event.

Police Report Party with Intoxicated Minors and DUI Arrest

Cocoa Beach police responded to the home on January 19, finding a large gathering of juveniles, many wearing matching T-shirts. A heavily intoxicated juvenile was discovered on the front lawn and required medical attention from Brevard County Fire Rescue. Officers also observed Hill-Brodigan turning off the outside lights and entering her residence while first responders were assisting the juvenile, forcing emergency personnel to use auxiliary lighting.

In addition, police conducted a traffic stop near the residence, leading to the arrest of a juvenile driver for DUI.

State Attorney Emphasizes Public Safety

The State Attorney’s Office released a statement reinforcing the importance of laws against underage drinking and open house parties, emphasizing their role in protecting young people and communities.

“Florida’s laws dealing with open house parties and underage drinking are meant to keep our young people and communities safe. These laws are in place to deter the conduct that exposes our youth to harm and gives rise to these criminal charges. When laws are violated, the State Attorney’s Office stands with law enforcement, the school board and the community we serve to hold the offenders accountable and ensure the safety of our youth.”

Ongoing Investigation into Fake 911 Call

Cocoa Beach police are continuing to investigate a fake 911 call, which they believe was intended to divert officers away from the party. Detectives are currently working to obtain phone records related to the incident.

Legal Proceedings and Community Reactions

Hill-Brodigan and Anderson remain free on bond, and their cases are being prosecuted separately. As of March 31, their next court hearings had not been scheduled.

“That’s poor judgment,” John Wilson said in January. “I’m not sure what the action should be, but there definitely should be some action taken cause that’s unacceptable.”

The case continues to unfold as authorities move forward with legal proceedings.