(For those with weak stomachs or who are about to eat, proceed with caution.)

A New Jersey custodian pleaded guilty to multiple charges and could face up to 18 years in prison. The custodian made the prosecutor's job somewhat easier by recording himself committing the criminal acts, several of which involved contaminating food and other objects with bodily fluids.

If you're facing criminal charges in New Jersey, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. We work with clients on an array of cases, including crimes such as assault. Contact us using this form or by calling us at 888-535-3686.

Social Media Incrimination

Law enforcement was tipped off about the custodian's activities after he posted photos and videos on social media. The man, Giovanni Impellizzeri, had worked at Elizabeth Moore School in Upper Deerfield School District since 2019.

Impellizzeri recorded himself:

• Performing sexual acts with items around the school
• Contaminated items around the school with bodily fluids
• Allegedly tampering with and contaminating food and utensils in the school cafeteria with bleach, saliva, urine, and feces

Students and staff likely consumed the contaminated food. The district later confirmed that all utensils had been sterilized and all contaminated food discarded.

Impellizzeri's activities likely occurred in October 2023 after school hours. He was arrested on Oct. 31.

He was originally charged with:

• Aggravated assault
• Tampering with food products
• Endangering the welfare of a child
• Attempted endangering the welfare of a child
• Official misconduct.

He pleaded guilty to contaminating food.

During the investigation surrounding his social media posts, law enforcement found evidence of child pornography. They emphasized that the custodian hadn't manufactured the images, merely possessed them. He had originally been charged with both distribution of and possession of child pornography, which was reduced to possession as part of the plea deal.

Child Endangerment

Criminal charges for endangering a child's welfare are serious. Some of the ways that an adult can endanger a childinclude:

• Molestation
• Abuse
• Creating, viewing, or disseminating child pornography
• Sexual assault of a child
• Driving while intoxicated with a minor in the car

Anyone who has a legal duty to care for a child can be guilty of child endangerment. Schools and school staff are generally considered to act in loco parentis, meaning they have a duty of care to students.

Assault

New Jersey recognizes three types of criminal assault. They are simple assault, aggravated assault, and assault by automobile.

Simple assault occurs when someone either causes someone to suffer an injury or puts someone in fear of suffering an injury.

Impellizzeri was originally charged with aggravated assault. More serious than simple assault, aggravated assault occurs when someone knowingly or recklessly shows an extreme indifference to the value of human life.

Assault by automobile is exactly what it sounds like: assault involving a car. Someone may drive either recklessly or intentionally, which causes someone physical harm.

Defend Your Future

There's no such thing as a minor criminal charge. Even “minor” convictions can negatively affect your life and the opportunities available to you.

As shown in Impellizzeri's case, in some situations, the evidence or circumstances are such that a plea deal is the best option. The important thing to remember is that it's your choice – not your attorney's, not the prosecutor's, not friends or family – to accept a plea deal.

At the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team, we help our clients understand their options. We help support our clients to empower them to make informed decisions about how they want to handle criminal charges. Contact us using this form or by calling us at 888-535-3686.