the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Lodi NJ, a former Lodi public school teacher, Stephanie Carafa, officially had her teaching license revoked in April after pleading guilty in October 2024 to endangering the welfare of a child — a second-degree crime stemming from an inappropriate incident with a student in 2018.
The New Jersey State Board of Examiners finalized the revocation on April 11, based on an affidavit submitted by Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Kristin DeMarco. The decision was part of a plea agreement that also included a five-year suspended sentence.
Sentencing Details and Legal Outcome
Carafa’s suspended sentence means she was placed on probation instead of serving immediate jail time. However, any violation of parole terms would require her to serve the prison sentence imposed by Judge Vincent Militello.
The plea agreement, reached after months of negotiations between prosecutors and the defense, required Carafa to forfeit multiple teaching certificates, including:
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Grades K-6 with Advanced and Standard Standing
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Middle School Subject Matter Specialization: Social Studies (Grades 5-8)
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Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certificate
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Supervisor Certificate
Victim and Family Speak Out in Court
During Carafa’s sentencing on February 7, the victim delivered an emotional statement, highlighting the long-term mental and emotional toll the abuse had on his life.
“Every day sucks,” the victim said. “Nothing works the way it’s supposed to in my head. It’s your fault… Being attracted to a child and then acting on it is not a mistake.”
The victim’s mother also gave a heartbreaking testimony, saying Carafa’s actions had “shattered [her son’s] innocence and hopes”, turning what should have been years of academic growth into a “struggle for survival.”
“He dreamed of becoming a marine biologist,” she said. “But high school became unbearable. The trauma overshadowed everything in his life.”
Permanent Revocation of Credentials
Carafa’s permanent removal from the education system ensures she will never teach again in New Jersey. The state took decisive action by revoking her credentials across all subjects and grade levels.
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