A New Jersey school teacher has admitted to sexually assaulting two of her teen students, prosecutors said. 

Julie Rizzitello, 37, pleaded guilty last week to two counts of second-degree sexual assault for the crimes that took place in 2017 and 2024, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Rizzitello, who taught at Wall High School in Wall Township, was arrested in July 2024 after police were notified by an employee from the district about her relationship with a student, according to the Coast Star. She was also charged with witness tampering and three counts of criminal sexual contact at the time.

Julie Rizzitello stands during a hearing in Monmouth County court in Freehold, New Jersey, after admitting to sexual assaults involving two students. (Thomas P. Costello/Asbury Park Press/USA Today Network)

Sean O’Halloran, Wall Township police chief, said that Rizzitello had taken advantage of her position as an educator.

“The actions of this former teacher represent a betrayal of trust, not only to the victims, but to the entire school community,” O’Halloran told Coast Stare in a statement. “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.”

Julie Rizzitello in an undated headshot. The former Wall Township High School teacher pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two students, prosecutors said. (Wall Public Schools)

Rizzitello, of Brick Township, will be sentenced on Jan. 9, and prosecutors said they will recommend she serve 10 years in state prison and be registered as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, a set of state and federal rules that require people convicted of certain sex offenses to register with law enforcement.

Prosecutors will also call for lifetime parole supervision and be barred from holding public office.

Wall High School in Wall Township, New Jersey, where former teacher Julie Rizzitello once worked. (Google Maps)

Rizzitello, who taught English, was hired in 2013 and was paid an annual salary of around $62,000 before resigning from her job, per NJ.com.

In July, Wall Township Public Schools acknowledged the charges against Rizzitello and stated the district was fully cooperating with law enforcement while urging anyone with information to contact police.