CNBNews

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 36-year-old Pemberton Township man was sentenced to 23 years in New Jersey state prison for physically abusing a severely developmentally-impaired girl while working as her caregiver in the family’s Southampton home.

The sentence was handed down to Edmondo DiPaolo on November 18 in Mount Holly by the Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C. DiPaolo pled guilty earlier this year to two counts of Aggravated Assault (Second Degree) and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree).

The investigation revealed that DiPaolo broke the victim’s femur while changing her diaper in March 2020. Because of her condition, she was unable to swallow. The investigation further revealed that DiPaolo forced water into her mouth and a small stuffed animal.

The victim, who was 16 at the time, has since passed away from causes unrelated to the abuse. She had a neurological disorder and was immobile. She was also partially blind, unable to speak, and received food and medication through tubes.

The investigation began after family members contacted law enforcement upon discovering an injury to the victim’s leg. DiPaolo worked at the residence for seven months as an employee of Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Inc.

DiPaolo was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the Special Victims Unit. The New Jersey State Police investigated the case.