Former Wall High School Educator Faces 10-Year Prison Term and Lifetime Sex Offender Registration After Admitting to Multiple Acts of Abuse

September 6, 2025

Freehold, New Jersey - In a shocking admission that has rocked the Wall Township community, a former high school English teacher pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two of her teenage students in separate incidents spanning from 2017 to 2024. Julie Rizzitello, 37, of Brick Township, New Jersey, entered the plea last week in Monmouth County Superior Court, facing severe penalties including a recommended decade behind bars and mandatory sex offender registration.

Rizzitello, who was hired by the Wall Township Public Schools in 2013 and taught ninth-grade English and SAT prep at Wall High School, resigned just days before her arrest in July 2024. Earning an annual salary of approximately $62,000, she also served as an advisor for several school clubs before her career came to an abrupt end amid the allegations. The case came to light after a school district employee tipped off authorities about Rizzitello's inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old student, leading to an investigation that uncovered a second victim.

According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Rizzitello pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual assault. The charges stem from multiple sexual encounters with the first victim, an 18-year-old male student, between April and June 2024. These incidents allegedly occurred in at least three locations: the student's car in Brick Township in May 2024, and other sites in Wall Township and Belmar. Prosecutors detailed that Rizzitello exchanged numerous sexually explicit messages and sent nude photographs to the student, exploiting her position of authority as an educator.

Following her initial arrest, a second victim emerged, revealing that Rizzitello had engaged in sexual intercourse with him on multiple occasions in November 2017 and January 2018 at her residence in Brick Township. The victim was 17 years old at the time. Evidence including pictures and text messages corroborated the victim's statements during the investigation. Rizzitello was additionally charged with witness tampering for allegedly urging one of the victims to delete incriminating messages from his phone.

The investigation involved collaboration between the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Bureau, Wall Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, and Brick Township Police Department. Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran described the case as a profound betrayal. "The actions of this former teacher represent a betrayal of trust, not only to the victims, but to the entire school community," O’Halloran stated. "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 priority and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that criminals are brought to justice to safeguard our residents and guests."

Rizzitello, who married in 2017 and is reportedly a mother, appeared in court on August 29, 2025, to enter her guilty plea. She is scheduled for sentencing on January 9, 2026, where prosecutors will recommend a 10-year term in state prison, lifetime registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, lifetime parole supervision, and a permanent ban from holding public office or employment. The lifetime parole would require her to remain under the supervision of the state parole board for a minimum of 15 years following her release. Additionally, she faces the permanent revocation of her teaching license.

Wall Township Public Schools issued a statement in July 2024 confirming their full cooperation with law enforcement and encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. The district emphasized its commitment to student safety and has since removed Rizzitello's profile from its website. This case adds to a troubling pattern of educator misconduct in New Jersey, with several teachers and coaches facing similar charges in recent years.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago highlighted the gravity of the offenses. "These acts represent a deeply troubling breach of trust," Santiago said in a press release. "We will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served and to support the victims and their families throughout this process." Victim advocates and child protection organizations have praised the swift action by authorities, noting that such cases underscore the importance of vigilance in educational environments.

As the community grapples with the fallout, resources for survivors of sexual assault are being highlighted. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and the Crisis Text Line (text "STRENGTH" to 741-741) offer confidential support for those affected. Rizzitello remains in custody pending sentencing, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within trusted institutions.