Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Multiple Years of Sexual Abuse

A former educator from New Jersey has admitted to repeatedly abusing two teenage students over several years, beginning in 2017. Julie Rizzitello, 37, who previously taught English and SAT prep at Wall Township High School, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual assault.

Prosecutors seek a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender. Investigations revealed that her misconduct took place across three towns in the state. The abuse reportedly involved sending nude photos and exchanging sexual messages with one of the students, with encounters occurring in locations such as Brick, Belmar, and Wall townships.

Rizzitello was arrested in July 2024 after authorities found she had sexual relations with an 18-year-old student, which included multiple encounters in the student’s car during April to June 2024. She communicated with the teen through explicit messaging and shared nude images. It was also found that she engaged in sexual activity with another student between 2017 and 2018.

The accused educator resigned shortly before her arrest. Records indicate she was a teacher at Wall High School since 2013 and earned an annual salary of $62,000. Aside from prison, she faces lifelong parole supervision and possible disqualification from holding public office. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026.