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James Rizzo, a 45-year-old homeless man, faces multiple charges following a violent attack on an NYU student in Greenwich Village. Rizzo, a Level Two sex offender, has a criminal history with 16 prior arrests, including charges for sex abuse and attempted murder. He was released on parole in September after serving time for persistent sexual abuse.
The incident occurred on Monday (December 1), when Rizzo allegedly followed 20-year-old Amelia Lewis as she walked to class. Surveillance footage shows Rizzo pulling Lewis's hair, slapping her head and buttocks, and slamming her to the ground. Police arrested Rizzo the following day after finding him breaking into NYU housing, where he allegedly stole several items.
Rizzo was arraigned and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He faces charges of assault, persistent sexual abuse, forcible touching, and burglary. He is due in court in the Bronx for parole violations and will return to court for these latest charges on Monday (December 8).
The attack has sent shockwaves through the NYU community. Amelia Lewis expressed her fear and frustration on social media, stating, "I should not be scared to be walking the street to go to my 9:30 a.m. class." NYU has offered support to Lewis and is working with police on the investigation.
ABC7NY, ABC News, and NBC New York report that the university is pleased with the arrest and emphasizes the importance of campus safety.
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