New Jersey Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault

A former New Jersey teacher has admitted to sexually assaulting two teenage students over several years, with incidents occurring as far back as 2017.

Julie Ritzitello, 37, who previously taught English at Wall Township High School, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault last week, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutors indicated they would push for a 10-year prison sentence, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender, after it was revealed that the offenses took place in three different townships in the state.

“This former teacher’s actions represent a significant betrayal of trust, not just toward the victims but the entire school community,” said Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halolan. He praised those who came forward and highlighted the commitment of law enforcement in pursuing justice for these cases, emphasizing the importance of protecting youth.

Ritzitello was arrested last summer after an 18-year-old student reported multiple sexual encounters occurring between April and June 2024. Authorities discovered that she had sent nude photos to the students, and both engaged in a significant number of sexual messages while meeting in Brick, Belmar, and Wall Township.

Following her arrest on July 3, 2024, further accusations emerged regarding her having sexual relations with another student multiple times from 2017 to 2018.

She resigned just days before her arrest and had been teaching 9th grade English at Wall High School. Ritzitello started working in Wall Township in 2013, with a reported salary of $62,000.

If sentenced, she will face not only prison time but also lifelong parole supervision and potentially be barred from public office. A formal sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026.