A New Jersey man who worked as an elementary school janitor is heading to prison for eight years after pleading guilty to a string of disturbing crimes.
Giovanni Impellizzeri, 27, was sentenced on Friday after admitting earlier this year to intentionally contaminating food served to students at an elementary school and possessing child sexual abuse material. The charges stemmed from a months-long investigation that began after videos of his actions surfaced online.
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The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Impellizzeri pleaded guilty to second-degree official misconduct and third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material. Under his plea agreement, prosecutors dropped other serious charges including aggravated assault, food tampering, and endangering the welfare of a child. He will serve at least five years before becoming eligible for parole.
The investigation began on October 30, 2023, when school officials from the Upper Deerfield Township School District contacted New Jersey State Police. Parents had reported deeply disturbing videos posted on the encrypted messaging app Telegram, allegedly showing Impellizzeri engaging in unspeakable acts involving school property and food intended for children.
According to court documents, one video showed Impellizzeri urinating and masturbating on school items, including pillows and kitchen utensils. Another clip captured him spraying bleach into a container of cucumbers—food that was later served to students. In perhaps the most disturbing footage, he was seen spitting on slices of bread, using them to wipe himself, and returning the bread to be served in student meals.
Authorities confirmed that the videos were filmed while Impellizzeri was employed by the school district. A search of the school turned up several items that matched those seen in the videos. He was arrested the next day.
Following his arrest, the Cumberland County Department of Health was called in to sanitize the entire school kitchen to ensure student safety.
During the investigation, officers also uncovered child sexual abuse content in Impellizzeri’s possession, leading to the additional charge that sealed his fate in court.
Impellizzeri admitted to all charges during his January plea hearing and appeared in court Friday to face sentencing. He apologized to his victims and the community, but the impact of his actions continues to ripple through the district.
Parents and educators have since called for stricter employee screening and safety measures to protect students from similar incidents in the future.
