A New Jersey school teacher has admitted to sexually assaulting two of her teen students, prosecutors said.
Julie Rizzitello, 37, confessed last week to committing two instances of second-degree sexual assault for incidents that occurred in 2017 and 2024, as stated by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Rizzitello, previously a teacher at Wall High School in Wall Township, was apprehended in July 2024 following a report from a district employee about her involvement with a student, according to the Coast Star. She also faced charges of witness tampering and three counts of criminal sexual contact at that time.
Julie Rizzitello appears at a hearing in Monmouth County court in Freehold, New Jersey, where she admitted to sexual assaults involving two students. (Thomas P. Costello/Asbury Park Press/USA Today Network)
Sean O’Halloran, Wall Township police chief, said that Rizzitello had taken advantage of her position as an educator.
“This former teacher’s actions signify a breach of trust, affecting not only the victims but the entire school community,” O’Halloran stated to Coast Stare. “I applaud the bravery of those who reported this and the dedication of our officers and partner agencies in achieving justice in this case. Safeguarding our youth remains a top priority, and we will persist in ensuring that offenders face justice to protect our community.”
Julie Rizzitello in an undated headshot. The former Wall Township High School teacher confessed to sexually assaulting two students, prosecutors confirmed. (Wall Public Schools)
Rizzitello, residing in Brick Township, is set to be sentenced on Jan. 9. Prosecutors plan to recommend a 10-year state prison sentence and that she be registered as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, a series of regulations requiring those convicted of specific sex crimes to register with authorities.
Prosecutors will also call for lifetime parole supervision and be barred from holding public office.
Wall High School in Wall Township, New Jersey, where former teacher Julie Rizzitello once worked. (Google Maps)
Rizzitello, who taught English, was hired in 2013 and was paid an annual salary of around $62,000 before resigning from her job, per NJ.com.
In July, Wall Township Public Schools acknowledged the charges against Rizzitello and stated the district was fully cooperating with law enforcement while urging anyone with information to contact police.
