Latest news with #CocoaBeachPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
DNA links suspect to 2023 sexual assault in Cocoa Beach; arrest made in Ohio
The Brief A man arrested in Ohio has been linked to a 2023 sexual assault case in Cocoa Beach through DNA evidence, investigators said. Police said Brendon Alladin Miller assaulted a woman after meeting her at a strip club; he now awaits extradition to Florida. Investigators credit the victim's strength and decision to complete a sexual assault kit for helping solve the case. COCOA BEACH, Fla. - A 33-year-old man has been arrested in Ohio in connection to a 2023 sexual assault in Cocoa Beach, police said Wednesday. What we know Brendon Alladin Miller, 33, has been arrested in Ohio in connection to a sexual assault that occurred in Cocoa Beach, Florida, in January 2023. Authorities say Miller met the victim at Dancers Royale, a gentleman's club, and allegedly assaulted her in a vehicle before leaving her at a nearby hotel, where police later located her. The case was solved after DNA from a separate investigation in Ohio matched evidence collected in Cocoa Beach. Miller is now in custody in Cincinnati and is awaiting extradition to Florida. What we don't know Authorities have not released specific details about the nature of the charges Miller is facing in Ohio or whether he has any prior criminal history. It's also unclear whether Miller was residing in Ohio at the time of the Cocoa Beach incident or if he had any prior connection to the area. The timeline for his extradition remains uncertain, as officials say that process could take several weeks. The backstory The case dates back to January 2023, when the victim told police she had been sexually assaulted after meeting Miller at a gentleman's club. Investigators collected a sexual assault kit at the time, but the case went cold until recently. Timeline Over two years later, during an aggravated assault investigation involving Miller in Cincinnati, his DNA was entered into a database and matched the Cocoa Beach case, reigniting the investigation and leading to his arrest. Below is a timeline of events. January 2023: An assault occurs in Cocoa Beach after Miller meets the victim at Dancers Royale. 2023-2025: Case remains unsolved; DNA evidence is stored. 2025: Miller becomes involved in an aggravated assault case in Ohio. His DNA is collected and matched to the Cocoa Beach assault. May 2025: Arrest made in Cincinnati; Florida authorities begin extradition process. What they're saying "This woman was extremely strong," said Detective Sgt. Taylor Payne of the Cocoa Beach Police Department. "Her decision to complete a sexual assault kit made this arrest possible." Payne also acknowledged the victim's endurance throughout the years-long investigation. "She thought, 'You guys forgot about me,' and we didn't. I became a bit emotional about that because I don't want someone to feel like that. We do care." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Cocoa Beach Police Department.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
DNA from 2023 Florida sex crime leads to arrest in Ohio
Cocoa Beach police say they've found the suspect in a sexual battery that happened more than two years ago, and he's from Ohio. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police said the investigation began in January 2023 when a woman reported the attack, our sister station WFTV in Orlando reported. Detectives got new DNA evidence in January 2025, so they coordinated with the Cincinnati Police Department in Ohio to get a DNA sample from a potential suspect. TRENDING STORIES: At least 2 injured after shooting results in crash in Springfield Newlyweds receive Amazon gift cards before groom's deployment, company says they won't honor them 13 students injured after school bus drives off busy state route Forensic analysis of that DNA led to an arrest warrant for Brendon Alladin Miller, 33, of Ohio. He was taken into custody in Cincinnati on Tuesday. The Cocoa Beach Police Department said Miller will be extradited to the extradition to the Brevard County jail in Florida on charges of sexual battery and battery, WFTV reported. 'The Cocoa Beach Police Department extends its sincere thanks to our partners at the FDLE and the Cincinnati Police Department for their invaluable assistance. This case serves as a reminder: if you commit a crime in the City of Cocoa Beach, we will pursue justice—regardless of state lines," the department said in a news release obtained by WFTV. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Payne of the Criminal Investigations Division at 321-868-3344. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Yahoo
False bomb threat reported at Cocoa Beach Winn-Dixie
The Brief Cocoa Beach police responded to a bomb threat at the Winn-Dixie on Canaveral Plaza Blvd. Sunday morning, leading to an evacuation before authorities determined the threat was false. The investigation remains ongoing, and police are seeking information from the public. Cocoa Beach, FLA - Authorities responded to a bomb threat at a Winn-Dixie in Cocoa Beach on Sunday morning, prompting an evacuation before determining the threat was false. What we know The Cocoa Beach Police Department said officers arrived at the grocery store, located at 100 Canaveral Plaza Blvd., at approximately 11:14 a.m. alongside personnel from the Cocoa Beach Fire Department and Brevard County Fire Rescue. As a precaution, the building and surrounding area were evacuated while the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad conducted a thorough search. After a complete investigation, officials found no explosive devices, and the scene was deemed safe. Detectives with the Cocoa Beach Police Department are actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Rosa at the department's Criminal Investigations Unit at 321-868-3251. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source The information in this article comes from the Cocoa Beach Police Department.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man accused of indecent exposure at Cocoa Beach park
The Brief Cocoa Beach Police Detectives arrested a Titusville man accused of indecent exposure. The alleged incident took place at Alan Shepard Park. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Payne at 321-868-3344. COCOA BEACH, Fla. - A Titusville man was arrested on Wednesday, accused of exposing himself in a public park earlier this month. What we know According to Cocoa Beach Police Detectives, Tevin Allen was seen with his pants down at Alan Shepard Park, located at 200 East Cocoa Beach Causeway. Cocoa Beach Police Detectives say the incident took place on March 2, 2025, at approximately 11:33 a.m. According to detectives, a woman reported that she encountered Allen on the boardwalk with his pants down, as he was touching himself. Allen allegedly made a lewd comment. Investigators say the victim's boyfriend arrived at the scene, which prompted Allen to flee into the parking lot and leave the area in a black SUV. What you can do The Cocoa Beach Police Department is asking anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact Detective Sergeant Payne of the Criminal Investigations Division at 321-868-3344. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Cocoa Beach Police Department.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Yahoo
A house party with over 100 teens is busted. A principal and teacher are being charged.
Two Florida-based school officials are under fire after being arrested when local officers busted a massive underage alcohol-fueled house party this month. Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, was charged with "holding an open house party," contributing to the delinquency of a minor and child neglect in connection to the incident, according to the Cocoa Beach Police Department. Karly Anderson, a teacher at the same school, was intoxicated at the scene, police said. The two officials have since bonded out of jail. The arrest stems from a party discovered at Hill-Brodigan's home on Jan. 19. Police received multiple reports related to juveniles consuming alcohol, noise, obscenities being shouted, and more, according to Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network. Officers found "over 100 juveniles ... in matching t-shirts, many who were consuming alcohol that was later learned to be available in coolers at the residence," police said. News: 'Unclothed' California man taken into custody in Oregon for felony arrest warrant: Police When authorities initially responded at about 8:45 p.m., they called Hill-Brodigan to advise her that there was a house party involving juveniles drinking and using marijuana at her residence, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Florida Today. She told them that she was down the street and that she would handle the problem and stop the music by 10 p.m. But police were called back less than 10 minutes after they spoke to Hill-Brodigan as the party continued. A juvenile leaving the party told officers during a traffic stop that someone was showing off a gun at the home, though no weapons were found on the premises, police said. Hill-Brodigan approached an officer as they drove by and told him she was shutting the party down. Officers responded to an unfounded report of gunshots and "satanic activity" at a nearby skatepark, then returned to Hill-Brodigan's home. At this point, the party had mostly broken up. At about 11:40 p.m., while one officer carried out a traffic stop nearby involving two intoxicated juveniles dressed in "white lie" attire − a trend in which T-shirts feature white lies − and arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence, another officer found a boy vomiting and shaking in Hill-Brodigan's front yard. Cocoa Beach Fire Rescue and Brevard County Fire Rescue were called to provide medical attention for the boy. At first, Hill-Brodigan watched from the top of her driveway, according to the affidavit. Then she walked inside and turned off all the lights in the front of the house. While the boy who had been vomiting was held in the back of a patrol vehicle, Anderson, a third grade teacher, approached the officers. She yelled at fire rescue authorities, saying she was upset that the boy was being put "in a machine" and that she had been hanging out at the party, police said. Officers reported that she exhibited slow, slurred speech, that she smelled of alcohol, and that her mood switched between angry and calm repeatedly throughout the short conversation. On Jan. 20, officers spoke with Anderson on the phone, at which point she told them she had not participated in the party at Hill-Brodigan's home. She said that her friend, referring to Hill-Brodigan, had invited her out for a drink and that Hill-Brodigan had consumed only one drink, according to the arrest affidavit. She added that her children were not at the party and that she doesn't take part in underage "ragers." She declined to provide a sworn statement. On the same day, police spoke to Hill-Brodigan on the phone. She initially agreed to provide a sworn statement but later changed her mind. Detectives interviewed juveniles and parents during their investigation. Police said students confirmed that more than 100 students had been at the house and said parties like this happen once or twice a month, adding that they knew Hill-Brodigan was principal of Roosevelt Elementary, Florida Today reported. Students told police that some of them arrived at the house as early as 7:45 p.m. and that Hill-Brodigan requested they help prepare for the party, with alcohol available inside the home in multiple red and white coolers, according to the affidavit. Marijuana was used at the party, students said, and a video recorded by a student showed a male juvenile with a mask on taking videos with a firearm − described by students as a Beretta − and pointing it at the person recording. Students also told police multiple fights broke out at the party. Students said Hill-Brodigan did not attempt to stop the party and that she seemed "okay with what was happening," according to the affidavit. She told her son to stop the party, but he ignored her, according to students. No additional information about her son, such as his age or name, was provided. Both adults were reportedly placed on administrative leave. As of Tuesday morning, Hill-Brodigan's bio on the school's website led to an error page. Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell addressed the matter in a letter to the community, Spectrum News reported. 'We hold our leaders to the highest of standards, and if these allegations are true, it's a complete failure in leadership and violation of our trust," Rendell said in a statement. "The district is cooperating fully with police as they investigate this matter and will strive to provide families with full transparency.' USA TODAY reached out to Brevard Public Schools for comment. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Principal, teacher charged over house party involving minors
