What You Need to Know
- Giovanni Impellizzeri, a former custodian, has been sentenced to several years in prison for shocking acts of food contamination at a New Jersey school.
- The grotesque incidents involved the addition of bodily fluids and toxic cleaning products to food intended for students and staff members.
- The court has mandated that Impellizzeri serve a minimum of five years before the possibility of parole, while he grapples with additional charges, including possession of child pornography.
Warning: The content in this article is graphic and may be disturbing to some readers.
In a chilling revelation, a former New Jersey school custodian has pleaded guilty to heinous acts of food contamination—putting the safety of children and school staff on the line. Giovanni Impellizzeri of Vineland is facing a lengthy prison sentence due to his disturbing actions at the Upper Deerfield Township School District.
On March 28, 2025, Judge Cristen P. D’Arrigo sentenced Impellizzeri to eight years behind bars following his admission of guilt regarding second-degree official misconduct and third-degree possession of child pornography. He will not be eligible for parole until he serves a minimum of five years, as confirmed by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.
This sentence comes as part of a plea deal struck on January 13, 2025, wherein Impellizzeri acknowledged the gravity of his transgressions. The court proceedings revealed an unsettling truth: **he had recorded himself contaminating food items and utensils** at the Elizabeth Moore School, utilizing bodily fluids and dangerous cleaning substances.
Victims Speak Out: A Parent’s Heartfelt Plea
The courtroom was filled with emotion as Marisol Perez Cruz, a concerned parent, spoke about the harrowing impact of Impellizzeri’s actions on her child. “I am disgusted by what this man did to all our children,” she lamented. “I am hurt to know that in one place where I thought my child was safe, she wasn’t.”
Regret and Reflection: The Custodian’s Admission
In a deeply unsettling moment during the trial, Impellizzeri addressed the judge directly, expressing remorse for his actions. “I feel very bad about it,” he said. “I wish I could go back in time and not do it, but it’s done now, and I realize I have to pay for it.” His attorney, Emily Bell, defended him, stating, “He did a bad thing. He’s going to pay for it,” while arguing that her client isn’t inherently “a bad person.”
An Investigation Uncovers Shocking Evidence
The investigation into Impellizzeri was ignited in fall 2023 after officials from the Upper Deerfield Township School received **multiple anonymous tips regarding his bizarre online behavior**. Investigators revealed that he had posted videos of himself engaging in vile acts with inanimate objects within the school premises, where he had served since September 2019.
It was revealed that he had tainted food products and utensils with **bleach and various bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, and feces**—all potentially served to unsuspecting students and staff. As if this wasn’t disturbing enough, investigators also discovered child pornography on Impellizzeri’s devices, amplifying the horror of his crimes.
The Arrest and Consequences
Impellizzeri’s arrest took place on October 31, 2023, leading to mounting charges against him. A public defender noted that he had a history of mental health issues and claimed he had not previously possessed a criminal record prior to these incidents.
In response to this alarming situation, the Upper Deerfield Township School District took swift action, sanitizing all food items and utensils, and discarding any items deemed potentially contaminated. Impellizzeri was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired, with the district cooperating fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
A Community in Recovery
The school community has since rallied in resilience. Superintendent Dr. Peter Koza articulated the collective trauma experienced, stating, “We were all victims to these heinous acts.” Despite the significant distress caused by one individual’s actions, Dr. Koza emphasized that the community would not be defined by this dark chapter in their history.
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As we reflect on this tragic event, it reminds us of the importance of vigilance and safety within our school systems, safeguarding our children against any threats—especially those from within.
