Teachers at a school in New Jersey have confessed to sexually assaulting two teenage students, as per the local prosecutors.
Julie Rigitero, 37, pleaded guilty last week to charges related to incidents that took place in 2017 and 2024, as reported by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Rigitero, who worked at Wall High School in Wall Township, was taken into custody in July 2024 after district staff alerted authorities about her inappropriate relationship with students. At that time, she faced additional charges for allegedly tampering with an eyewitness and three counts of criminal sexual contact.
The incidents, according to police arrest warrants, involved one student in May and June, including sexual contact in a parked car. There were claims of multiple meetings at various locations and the sending of nude photos to the student.
After her arrest, another victim stepped forward, revealing that sexual encounters occurred at her home in November 2017 and January 2018. This second victim was 17 at the time, and evidence like text messages and photos reportedly corroborated the claims.
Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran remarked that Rigitero’s actions signify a severe breach of trust not just for the victims but for the entire school community. He praised those who came forward and emphasized their commitment to youth protection.
Rigitero, who had been with the school district since 2013 and earned about $62,000 annually, is set to be sentenced on January 9. Prosecutors are pushing for a 10-year state prison term, in addition to her registration as a sex offender under Megan’s law, preventing her from holding public office and requiring lifetime parole supervision.
Wall Township Public Schools acknowledged the situation and stated they are cooperating fully with law enforcement, encouraging anyone with further information to come forward.
