Former New Jersey Teacher Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexual Assault of Students
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Julie Rizzitello, a former teacher at Wall High School, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in state prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two of her students. The assaults occurred over several years, including at her family’s bagel shop, her home, and inside a vehicle, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Rizzitello, 37, admitted to two counts of second-degree sexual assault related to incidents from 2017 and 2024. Prosecutors detailed how she groomed the students before committing the assaults, a violation that has shaken the local community.
During the sentencing hearing in Monmouth County Superior Court, Judge Jill G. O’Malley ordered Rizzitello to serve a decade behind bars, followed by lifetime parole supervision. Additionally, she must register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, which mandates registration of certain offenders with law enforcement agencies. The judge also permanently revoked her teaching credentials and barred her from any contact with the victims.
The case drew widespread attention due to the locations where the assaults took place, including the family-owned bagel shop, a setting that had been considered a safe space by many in the community. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized the breach of trust involved, noting the exploitation of her position as an educator and the vulnerability of her victims.
Wall Township Public Schools released a statement expressing their condemnation of the acts and reaffirming their commitment to student safety. The district has since reviewed and strengthened policies concerning staff conduct and reporting procedures.
Sexual assault cases involving educators have prompted increased scrutiny nationwide, with many states revisiting laws and regulations to better protect students. The U.S. Department of Justice provides resources and guidance on prosecuting crimes involving educators and minors, highlighting the serious consequences of such offenses.
Rizzitello’s guilty plea came last September, and the sentencing marks a significant step toward justice for the victims. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office continues to encourage anyone with information about similar offenses to come forward.
For more information on sex offender registration and community safety, residents can refer to resources provided by the New Jersey State Police and the Office of Justice Programs. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and robust protections for students in educational environments.
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