COCOA BEACH FL, A former Brevard County school principal accused of allowing an alcohol-fueled party for minors at her home last year accepted a plea deal Monday that allows her to avoid jail time.
Prosecutors said the party at the home of Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, the former principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in Cocoa Beach, took place on the night of January 19, 2025. Authorities said the gathering led to one student being evaluated by paramedics for alcohol poisoning and another being arrested for driving under the influence.
Hill-Brodigan was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading no contest to holding an open house party and contributing to the delinquency or dependency of minors as part of the agreement, prosecutors announced. Under the terms of the deal, she will avoid incarceration.
Cocoa Beach police responded to Hill-Brodigan’s home after receiving multiple calls reporting a large party involving minors. Some callers reported that teenagers were walking through neighboring yards and yelling obscenities. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, officers arrived to find an active party underway.
Police said more than 100 minors were present, many wearing matching T-shirts, and alcohol was being consumed from multiple coolers throughout the home. In the days following the incident, the Cocoa Beach Police Department released information stating that officers observed widespread underage drinking.
The affidavit also describes a traffic stop involving two intoxicated underage girls who had left the party. The driver was arrested and recorded a blood alcohol content of 0.118, while the passenger was cited for possession of marijuana.
An underage male was also found vomiting and shaking at the scene, prompting Brevard County Fire Rescue to respond to treat a minor experiencing an alcohol-related medical emergency on the front lawn of the home.
According to police, Hill-Brodigan was seen in the driveway during the incident turning off exterior lights before going back inside. Fire rescue personnel later had to rely on auxiliary vehicle lighting to treat the minor, officials said.
In interviews conducted after the party, multiple minors told police the gathering involved fights, marijuana use, and that one attendee had been taking photos with a firearm, according to the affidavit. Portions of the document are redacted, but it indicates minors told investigators the party was hosted by a relative of Hill-Brodigan who attended Cocoa Beach High School.
The minors also told police they were aware Hill-Brodigan was the principal of Roosevelt Elementary School and claimed similar parties occurred once or twice a month. Some said they were asked by Hill-Brodigan to help prepare for the gathering if they arrived early.
According to the affidavit, alcohol was readily available in red and white coolers throughout the residence, and Hill-Brodigan made no attempt to stop the party or limit access to alcohol. Minors stated she appeared aware of what was happening and did not intervene.
As part of her probation, Hill-Brodigan must have no unsupervised contact with minors, may not host parties where alcohol or marijuana are present, must obey a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and must comply with all probation conditions. Prosecutors said she will not be formally convicted if she successfully completes probation.
Her attorney, Kepler Funk, told the Orlando Sentinel that Hill-Brodigan has not admitted wrongdoing and accepted the plea deal to resolve the case. He said the agreement allows her to maintain her innocence and eventually seek to have her arrest record sealed.
“This agreement allows her to maintain her innocence while simultaneously bringing finality to the case,” Funk said. He added that she is not convicted of a crime under the terms of the deal.
Brevard Public Schools spokesperson Yvette Cruz said Hill-Brodigan was placed on administrative leave following her arrest and that her contract was later not renewed. Cruz also confirmed that Hill-Brodigan will not be considered for future employment with the district.
“We hold our leaders to the highest standards, and the conduct reflected in this plea agreement represents a serious breach of the trust placed in this former principal,” Cruz said. “Our focus is on supporting families and ensuring leadership that reflects our values.”
