New Jersey school custodian gets jail term for contaminating food with bodily fluids, cleaner

BRIDGETON, N.J. (AP) -- Giovanni Impellizzeri, a former custodian for the Upper Deerfield Township School District, was sentenced to eight years in state prison for contaminating food meant for children and staff. The 27-year-old, from Vineland, New Jersey, admitted to putting bodily fluids and cleaning products into the food and even placing cooking utensils on his genitals.

Before the sentencing, Impellizzeri expressed remorse, acknowledging there were no excuses for his behavior. His actions came to light when authorities found videos he had recorded and shared online, depicting the contamination.

The incidents were first reported to county health officials in 2023. They confirmed that while the fluids used by Impellizzeri were unlikely to cause health issues, no illnesses had been reported as a result of the contamination.

Impellizzeri pleaded guilty to charges of official misconduct and possession of child sexual abuse material earlier in January 2023. The latter charge emerged during the investigation into the disturbing videos, revealing the extent of his criminal behavior.

The case has raised concerns within the community but has so far shown no health repercussions from the actions of the former custodian.