FREEHOLD — Former Wall High School teacher and Brick Township resident Julie Rizzitello, who has been in Monmouth County jail since her July 3 arrest for charges related to having sexual relationships with two students, was granted release from county jail on Tuesday.
Rizzitello was given “release with level one restrictions,” presiding state Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux said.
She was charged with two counts of sexual assault, witness tampering and three counts of criminal sexual contact on July 3, as well as additional charges of sexual assault and witness tampering last week at an arraignment hearing.
“I don’t find that there’s a risk to the overall community,” Judge Lemieux said. “But I do find if I put the restrictions on you, that you will follow them.”
Rizzitello, 36, was represented Tuesday by Charles Uliano, of Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh in West Long Branch. The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer, who confirmed the county sought detention under all five charges.
The prosecutor said, “She was in a position of power, trust and authority over young students. She abused that position by preying upon and exploiting schoolchildren for her own sexual gratification. Teachers are supposed to be role models, leaders. They are supposed to guide their students … In this case, this defendant has exhibited a pattern of predatory behavior.”
Uliano said, “She’s 36 years old, no prior criminal record, she was a teacher for ten years, married with two young children, has her family and longstanding ties to the local community. Objectively looking at this, she is certainly not a risk to the community at all.”
Judge Lemieux detailed several regulations she will follow upon her release including: telephonic reporting once per month, refrain from excessive use of alcohol or narcotics, no possession of firearm or weapons, actively seek employment, not set foot on Wall High School premises, no contact with the two victims via herself or a third party, pursue psychological or psychosexual treatment available and zero contact with anyone under the age of 18.
“We’re happy with the decision,” Uliano told The Coast Star after the hearing. “And we’re planning on a vigorous defense.”
Schaefer declined to comment further after the hearing.
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