CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ — A New Jersey man, employed as a custodian at a school in Upper Deerfield Township, faces multiple charges following alarming misconduct allegations. Giovanni Impellizzari, 25, of East Chestnut Avenue, was arrested on October 31 and stands accused of several serious offenses, including aggravated assault in the 3rd degree, tampering with food products, and endangering the welfare of a child, among others.
Authorities relayed that the charges stemmed from Impellizzari’s behavior while employed at Elizabeth Moore School. The arrest was precipitated by numerous anonymous tips to the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), prompted by concerning social media posts. The collected evidence included screenshots and videos of Impellizzari engaging in sexual acts with inanimate objects on school premises.
Police disclose that Impellizzari allegedly contaminated food products and utensils in the school cafeteria with bleach and personal bodily fluids, which were then potentially offered to school attendees and staff for consumption. His alleged actions extended to other areas of the school, where items were subjected to contamination with personal bodily fluids.
The investigation led to the recovery of items matching those depicted in the incriminating videos. While Impellizzari has been associated with Upper Deerfield Township School District since September 2019, authorities have not determined the exact timeframe of the alleged misconduct.
The school district is collaborating with the Cumberland County Department of Health to sanitize food preparation areas, serving utensils, and surfaces. Questionable food items have been discarded as a precaution.
A comprehensive examination is underway to ascertain any potential risks of infectious disease transmission to those who might have consumed food at the school. Authorities plan to collect bodily fluids from the suspect for analysis. Health department notifications will follow, outlining the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of the school community.
In the interim, the Cumberland County Health Department (CCHD) advises anyone suspecting illness to seek medical attention promptly. Impellizzari is currently detained in Cumberland County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.