A 37-year-old former high school English teacher has confessed to sexually assaulting two adolescent students between 2017 and the present. Julie Rizzitello pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual assault as reported by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutors intend to request a 10-year prison term along with mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran characterized the ex-teacher’s actions as a breach of trust towards not only the victims but the entire school community. He commended the bravery of those who came forward and the efforts of law enforcement in resolving the case.
The abusive relationships involving Rizzitello and the victims occurred in the towns of Brick, Belmar, and Wall Township in New Jersey. Rizzitello, who worked at Wall Township High School, was apprehended on July 3, 2024, after evidence revealed her involvement in multiple sexual encounters with an 18-year-old student from April to June 2024, including incidents in the victim’s car.
Prosecutors disclosed that she sent nude images to the student and engaged in numerous sexual conversations, arranging meetings at various locations in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Following her arrest, a second victim came forward, alleging multiple sexual encounters with Rizzitello between 2017 and 2018 when he was also a student at Wall High.
Rizzitello taught ninth-grade English and provided SAT preparation classes at Wall Township High School. She joined the district in 2013 and was earning $62,000 annually at the time of her resignation, which occurred shortly before her arrest. Her school profile has been removed, and she is no longer employed by the district.
Apart from a prison sentence, Rizzitello faces lifelong parole supervision and potential permanent disqualification from holding public office. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026.