16 Arrests Later — Parole Board’s HORRIFIC Mistake

A repeat sex offender with 16 prior arrests brazenly assaulted a young NYU student in broad daylight just three months after being released on parole, exposing dangerous failures in New York’s criminal justice system that put innocent Americans at risk.

Story Overview

James Rizzo, 45, attacked 20-year-old Amelia Lewis near NYU campus despite extensive criminal history
Rizzo was released on parole in September 2025 after serving two years for persistent sexual abuse
The suspect faces charges of persistent sexual abuse, forcible touching, and assault with 16 documented prior arrests
NYPD investigating potential connections to other unreported attacks in Manhattan area

Brazen Daylight Attack Shocks Greenwich Village

James Rizzo ran up behind NYU student Amelia Lewis near Broadway and Waverly Place on Monday morning, December 2, 2025, slapping her, grabbing her hair, and shoving her to the ground. Surveillance cameras captured the 9:30 AM assault as Lewis walked to class through the busy Greenwich Village neighborhood. Witnesses immediately called 911, and Lewis courageously shared video footage on social media to warn other students about the dangerous predator roaming their campus area.

Police arrested Rizzo on Tuesday after finding him sleeping in a building near the attack site. The swift arrest came after investigators connected surveillance footage to the suspect’s appearance and criminal history. Rizzo now faces multiple charges including persistent sexual abuse, forcible touching, and assault, with a Wednesday court appearance scheduled to determine his fate.

Dangerous Criminal History Ignored by Parole Board

Rizzo’s arrest record spans decades with 16 documented arrests involving sexual assault, burglary, and violent crimes. Court records show he was charged with murder in 1997, though the case’s resolution remains unclear. Most concerning, Rizzo served two years in state prison for persistent sexual abuse and was designated a level 2 sex offender following a 2023 forcible touching arrest.

The New York parole system released this dangerous predator in September 2025, just three months before he attacked Lewis. Prior to Monday’s assault, Rizzo had already groped another woman on Greene Street, asking “Oh, you want more?” after the attack. He also faces four separate burglary charges, mostly committed while residents slept in their homes, demonstrating a clear pattern of escalating criminal behavior.

Systemic Failures Endanger Public Safety

This case exposes glaring weaknesses in New York’s approach to repeat sexual offenders and parole management. The parole board’s decision to release Rizzo despite his extensive criminal history and designation as a level 2 sex offender represents a catastrophic failure in risk assessment protocols. Within 90 days of release, he committed another violent sexual assault against an innocent student, proving the system prioritizes criminal rights over victim safety.

Man charged with attacking NYU student has 16 prior arrests

James Rizzo, 45, faces multiple charges including forcible touching and assault in relation to the Monday morning incident

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NYU spokesperson John Beckman expressed satisfaction with Rizzo’s arrest while emphasizing ongoing victim support services. However, the university’s response raises questions about campus safety measures and whether adequate security exists to protect students from repeat offenders prowling nearby streets. The institution activated victim services for Lewis while collaborating with NYPD’s ongoing investigation into potential connections between Rizzo and other Manhattan attacks.