Who is Julie Rizzitello? New Jersey Teacher, 37, Admits to Misconduct With Students

A former New Jersey teacher, Julie Rizzitello, confessed in court on August 29, 2024, to serious misconduct involving two of her students. The 37-year-old, who once taught English at Wall Township High School, is now facing up to 10 years in prison.

Court Hearing and Sentencing

According to Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, Rizzitello pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree assault. Her plea was entered before Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley.

As part of her agreement, she is expected to be sentenced on January 9, 2026. If accepted, the deal will place her in prison for 10 years, add her to the offender registry, and place her under lifetime parole supervision. She will also be permanently barred from public office.

Allegations Over Several Years

Officials revealed that the misconduct happened in two different time periods. The first case involved a student in 2024, where Rizzitello admitted to repeated inappropriate encounters.

The second case, dating back to 2017–2018, involved another teenage student.

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation began when school officials received an anonymous tip. Authorities later confirmed the claims after reviewing communications from a student’s phone.

Rizzitello was arrested on July 3, 2024, and resigned soon after. She had worked for Wall Township Public Schools since 2013, earning a salary of $62,000.

Community Reaction

Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran said the case represented a “serious betrayal of trust.” He praised the students who came forward and promised that protecting young people remains the top priority.