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A teacher from Wall High School, located at 1630 18th Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07719, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and criminal sexual contact stemming from an alleged relationship with a student, according to Asbury Park Press.
Reports from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and Wall Police Department stated that 36-year-old Julie Rizzitello of Brick has been charged with two counts of sexual assault and three counts of criminal sexual contact. Rizzitello, who recently resigned from her teaching position, is also facing a charge of witness tampering.
The investigation revealed that Rizzitello engaged in various sexual acts with the victim on multiple occasions in at least three different jurisdictions - Belmar and Wall in Monmouth County, and Brick in Ocean County. The criminal conduct is said to have begun earlier this year.
"As a result, Rizzitello faces charges in both Monmouth and Ocean counties," the joint news release stated.
Rizzitello is currently being held at the Monmouth County Jail, and a hearing will be held to determine if she will remain in custody without bail while awaiting trial.
This is the second case of a Monmouth County teacher being arrested on sex charges involving a student in the past week. Last month, 43-year-old Allison Havemann-Niedrach, a teacher at Freehold Intermediate School, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on Rizzitello's activities to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office or Wall Police Department.
Update July 22, 2024: Additional Victim Comes Forward Alleging Sexual Abuse
In a disturbing development, the former Wall Township High School teacher who was previously accused of a sexual relationship with a student now faces additional charges. Prosecutors and local law enforcement announced on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, that a second student had come forward with accusations against the teacher.
The new allegations claim that Rizzitello assaulted the second student multiple times in Brick Township back in 2017, according to News 12.
Rizzitello's detention hearing is scheduled for July 23, 2024. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Rizzitello's activities to come forward and contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office or the Wall Township Police Department.
A teacher at Wall High School in New Jersey has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and criminal sexual contact involving a student. In the wake of these disturbing allegations, we spoke with an experienced New Jersey child sexual abuse lawyer, Stewart Ryan, to understand the key legal rights and remedies available to victims and their families in cases of teacher sexual abuse.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for speaking with us today. Given the disturbing nature of these allegations against the Wall High School teacher, what are some of the key legal rights and remedies available to the student victim and their family?
Attorney Stewart Ryan (SR): Well Darla, in cases involving the sexual abuse of a student by a teacher, the victim and their family have several important legal avenues they can pursue. First and foremost, they have the right to seek criminal charges against the accused teacher. The prosecutor's office will handle the criminal case, which can result in lengthy prison sentences if the teacher is convicted.
Separately, the victim and their family also have the option to file a civil lawsuit against both the teacher and the school district. Through a civil case, they can seek compensation for the harm caused, as well as hold the school accountable for any negligence in allowing the abuse to occur.
DM: Can you expand on how a civil lawsuit against the school district might work in a case like this?
SR: Absolutely. School districts have a duty to protect the students in their care from harm, including sexual abuse by teachers. If the investigation reveals the school administration was aware of any prior concerning behavior by the teacher, or failed to implement adequate policies and training to prevent such abuse, then the school district can be held legally liable.
The civil lawsuit would seek damages to compensate the victim for the trauma, emotional distress, and any long-term impacts on their well-being and education. It also sends a strong message that schools must take serious steps to safeguard students from sexual predators masquerading as teachers.
DM: That's an important point. What advice would you give to families in this situation on how to proceed and protect their rights?
SR: My advice would be to consult an experienced child sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible. They can guide the family through the complex legal process, ensure all their rights are protected, and work to hold both the perpetrator and the negligent institution accountable. Time is of the essence, as there are strict deadlines for filing civil claims. A good lawyer will also be able to connect the family with critical support services and counseling resources to aid the victim's recovery. No family should have to navigate this alone.
DM: Thank you for providing that valuable perspective. It's clear that families impacted by teacher sexual abuse have important legal options to pursue justice and support. We appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise on this difficult but critical topic.
SR: Thank you, Darla. I'm happy to have the chance to educate the public on these issues. No family should have to endure the trauma of sexual abuse by a trusted educator. I encourage anyone affected to reach out for legal guidance and support without delay.
If you or a loved one have been affected by sexual abuse at the hands of a teacher or school employee, it's critical to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. An experienced child sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your rights, explore all available legal options, and work to hold the perpetrator and negligent institutions accountable. The trauma of such abuse can have lasting impacts, so securing the right support and advocacy is vital.
We encourage any families in need to contact our firm for a free, confidential consultation. Our team is here to listen, provide compassionate counsel, and fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out during this difficult time.
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