NYU Student Attack Suspect James Rizzo Arraigned, History of Violence Against Women Detailed

Suspect Arraigned and Remanded

• 📌 James Rizzo, 45, appeared emotionless at his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, pleading not guilty to three new assaults.
• ⚖️ He was remanded and faces multiple new charges, including persistent sex abuse and assault.

Criminal Background and Prior Offenses

• ⚠️ Rizzo is a level two sex offender with 16 prior arrests, including forcible touching and sexual abuse.
• 🚨 Police state that while out on parole, he allegedly continued attacking women.
• 🗓️ His prior arrests include incidents in December 2023 and on Thanksgiving Day last week.

Recent Assaults Detailed

• 💥 A 59-year-old woman was randomly punched on Mercer Street in December 2023.
• 🤕 Diane Brazelle, 68, visiting from Houston, was slammed into glass in Midtown on Thanksgiving Day, requiring six stitches for a forehead laceration.
• 🚶‍♀️ On Monday, NYU student Amelia Lewis, 20, was slapped and shoved to the ground while walking to class in Greenwich Village.

Victim's Account and Awareness

• 🎙️ Amelia Lewis shared her traumatic experience in her first interview on a podcast, stating her desire to report the incident.
• 🏫 She informed NYU security to alert other students about the suspect.
• 🌃 NYU security indicated they were already aware of a man matching the suspect's description operating in the city.

Additional Charges and Allegations

• 🏠 Rizzo is also charged with four counts of burglary for allegedly breaking into several apartments this week.
• 💰 Thousands of dollars worth of property were allegedly stolen from these apartments in Greenwich Village.
• 📅 According to the New York State Department of Corrections, Rizzo was paroled in September after serving time for sex abuse.