Former New Jersey teacher faces 10 years for sexually assaulting students

A former New Jersey teacher could be sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting two of her students.

Julie Rizzitello, 37, pleaded guilty last week to two counts of second-degree sexual assault for crimes that took place in 2017 and 2024, Fox News reported.

Rizzitello, who taught English at Wall High School in Wall Township, was arrested in July 2024 after having an affair with a student during May and June. The student, who had turned 18, said they had sex in his car, met at various locations and the teacher sent him nude photos. State law prohibits teacher-student sexual relationships, even if the student is of legal age.

The teacher was charged at the time with three counts of sexual assault and one count of witness tampering, suggesting she may have told the student to delete messages and texts from her.

After her arrest, another student came forward alleging he had sex with the teacher at her home in Brick, New Jersey, in late 2017 and early 2018 when he was 17. The victim provided police with pictures and messages to corroborate his story.

Rizzitello, who is married, had worked at the school since 2013 and resigned around the time she was charged, NJ.com reported.

She is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 9. Prosecutors will ask for a 10-year sentence to state prison and that she be registered as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, which requires registration for certain sexual offenses. They will also ask for lifetime parole supervision and that she be barred from holding public office, Fox reported.

Wall Police Chief Sean O’Halloran said Rizzitello’s actions were “a betrayal of trust, not only to the victims, but to the entire school community,” the Coast Star reported. “I commend the courage of those who came forward and the dedication of our officers and partner agencies in bringing this case to justice. Protecting our youth is among our highest priorities and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that criminals are brought to justice to safeguard our residents and guests.”

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