Former NJ Elementary School Custodian Pleads Guilty to Contaminating Food

Investigation into Disturbing Accusations

A former school custodian in New Jersey has pleaded guilty to contaminating food meant for students and staff. Vineland, New Jersey, native Giovanni Impellizzeri, 27, admitted in court on Monday, January 13 that he recorded videos of himself putting bodily fluids and cleaning products into food items at Elizabeth Moore School in Upper Deerfield School District.

Impellizzeri also pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. He is expected to be sentenced in March and could face up to 18 years in prison.

The investigation into Impellizzeri began on October 30, 2023, when New Jersey State Police were contacted by officials at the elementary school in Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey. The officials said they had received multiple anonymous tips in reference to posts on a social media platform. Investigators said the screenshots and video posts showed Impellizzeri performing sexual acts with inanimate objects at the school, where he had worked as a custodian since September of 2019.

Impellizzeri allegedly tampered with and contaminated food products and utensils in the school’s cafeteria with bleach and personal bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, and feces. The contaminated food was likely served to students and staff at the school, investigators said. Impellizzeri also contaminated other items at the school with his bodily fluids, according to investigators.

The Arrest of Impellizzeri

Impellizzeri was arrested on October 31, 2023, and charged with aggravated assault, tampering with food products, endangering the welfare of a child, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. On November 2, he was also charged with official misconduct.

Back in November of 2024, Impellizzeri’s public defender said his client has a long history of mental health issues which he has received treatment for. He also said Impellizzeri did not have a criminal record prior to the alleged incidents at the school.

Aftermath of the Investigation

The Upper Deerfield Township School District cooperated with authorities during the investigation. Officials in the District said that all of the food and utensils at the Elizabeth Moore School were sanitized and safe to use or consume and any possibly contaminated food products have been discarded. The District also said Impellizzeri is on administrative leave.

Conclusion

Impellizzeri’s actions are not only illegal but also a serious threat to the well-being of the students and staff at Elizabeth Moore School. His guilty plea serves as a warning to others that such behavior will not be tolerated and will result in severe consequences. The community can rest assured that the Upper Deerfield Township School District has taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its students and staff.

FAQs

* Q: How long did Impellizzeri work at the school before his arrest?
A: Impellizzeri worked as a custodian at the school since September 2019.

* Q: When did the investigation into Impellizzeri begin?
A: The investigation began on October 30, 2023.

* Q: How many years in prison could Impellizzeri face?
A: Impellizzeri could face up to 18 years in prison.

* Q: Did the school district cooperate with authorities during the investigation?
A: Yes, the Upper Deerfield Township School District cooperated fully with the investigation.

* Q: Are there any possible consequences for Impellizzeri’s actions?
A: Impellizzeri’s guilty plea to contaminating food and possessing child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 18 years in prison.