Tucci-Caselli found guilty by jury in Superior Court
Thursday, 04 March 2010

Nicholas Tucci-Caselli
By Marla Dalrymple
Staff Writer

Nicholas Tucci-Caselli was found guilty of first degree rape of a child by a jury of his peers last week in Macon County Superior Court. On Thursday, Feb. 25, the jury declared Tucci-Caselli guilty of indecent liberties with a child and first degree rape of a child.

Tucci-Caselli was arrested in March of 2008 following a tip received through Operation Safe Streets. At that time, a pre-school-aged female child was taken to KIDS Place for a medical examination. At the conclusion of the exam, warrants were issued for 27-year-old Tucci-Caselli on charges of first degree rape of a child. Based on findings after a search of Tucci-Caselli’s residence, additional charges were filed.

Tucci-Caselli was charged with two counts of first degree rape of a child, indecent liberties with a child, marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possessing controlled substance on jail premises and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Following the guilty verdict, Tucci-Caselli was sentenced to 300-369 months in the North Carolina Department of Corrections, with 721 days credit for his jail time in Macon County while awaiting trial. He must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his lifetime, with satellite monitoring for 30 years.

Tucci-Caselli then pled guilty to possession of marijuana and firearms by a felon. The sentence was 20- 24 months in the State Department of Corrections.

Church break-in suspects plead

Five pled guilty this week to the break-ins that occurred at area churches last year.

Kathleen Stewart
Kathleen Stewart pled guilty to four counts of breaking and entering, identity theft, four counts of breaking and entering in a place of worship and three counts of injury to real property. She was sentenced to 19-23 months in the Department of Corrections, suspended, with 36 months probation, 50 hours of community service and was ordered to pay $2,679.99 in restitution.

Caitlyn Capoccia
Caitlyn Capoccia pled guilty to three counts of breaking and entering, 12 counts of breaking and entering in a place of worship, 12 counts of injury to real property and identity theft. She was sentenced to 19- 23 months in the Department of Corrections, suspended, with 36 months probation, 50 hours of community service and was ordered to pay $3349.99 in restitution.

Marissa Harmon
Marissa Harmon pled guilty to nine counts of breaking and entering in a place of worship, two counts of injury to real property, two counts of injury to real property and two counts of injury to personal property. She was sentenced to 19-23 months in the Department of Corrections, suspended, with 36 months probation, 50 hours of community service and was ordered to pay $2,355 in restitution.

Joshua Bloem
Joshua Bloem pled guilty to three counts of breaking and entering in a place of worship and two counts of injury to personal property. He was sentenced to 10-12 months in the Department of Corrections, suspended, 36 months probation, 50 hours community service and was ordered to pay $2005 in restitution.

Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn pled guilty to five counts of breaking and entering in a place of worship, larceny, obtaining property by false pretenses and injury to real property. He was sentenced to 15-18 months in the Department of Corrections, suspended, 36 months probation, 50 hours of community service and was ordered to pay $2,375 in restitution.

Iannuzzi pleads

Jennifer Iannuzzi
Jennifer Iannuzzi pled guilty to felony abduction of a child, felony restraint of a child and indecent liberties with a child. She was sentenced to three consecutive sessions in the Department of Corrections, all of which are suspended: one of 12-15 months and two 16-20 month sessions; 36 months probation and 50 hours of community service. As a special split sentence, Ianuzzi will spend 90 days active time in the Macon County Jail. She must also register as a sex offender.

“The District Attorney’s Office asked for active time,” explained Sheriff’s Office Attorney Brian Welch. If Iannuzzi violates the conditions of her probation, she will have to serve 44-55 months in the Department of Corrections.

Iannuzzi was convicted of sex crimes with a 12- year-old whom she abducted from Macon Middle School, where she worked as a substitute teacher. For a time period, Iannuzzi was also foster parent to the child.

On Jan. 14, the Macon County Department of Social Services contacted the county Sheriff’s Office regarding a possible relationship between Iannuzzi and the victim.

Iannuzzi was arrested on Jan. 29 following a brief stay at Pardee Hospital, where she sought a mental health evaulation. “She was in custody the moment she was released,” said Sheriff Robbie Holland.

The victim’s father was in court for the sentencing. “He addressed the judge,” said Welch. “He spoke to the court and agreed with the plea.”

Holland said the victim did not want to have to testify in the case. He said that now the child will be able to carry on with his life and recover from the situation.