Caregiver Who Abused Impaired South Jersey Girl Sentenced: Prosecutor

BURLINGTON COUNTY - A New Jersey caregiver found guilty of physically abusing a severely developmentally impaired girl while working in her family’s home was sentenced to over two decades in state prison, authorities said Thursday.

Edmondo DiPaolo, 36, of Pemberton Township, was sentenced to 23 years in state prison on Nov. 18, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said in a statement. DiPaolo previously pleaded guilty in September to two counts of aggravated assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

The victim, a Southampton resident who was immobile because of a neurological condition, "has since passed away from causes unrelated to the abuse," Bradshaw said. She was also unable to speak, partially blind, and needed tubes to receive food and medication as she was unable to swallow.

Officials said DiPaolo broke the girl's femur while changing her diaper in March 2020. He also forced water and "a small stuffed animal" into her mouth, Bradshaw said.

DiPaolo worked at the family's home for seven months as an employee of Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Inc., Bradshaw said.

–With reporting by Michelle Rotuno-Johnson.