Hopatcong Man Charged with Murder Turns Down 30-Year Plea Deal For Now

Giuseppe Tedesco, charged with the March 27 murder of Hopatcong woman Alyssa Ruggieri, 22, pleaded not guilty in state Superior Court in Newton this afternoon.

The prosecution in the case offered a 30-year sentence if Tedesco pleaded guilty to the murder charge. "We didn't consider the plea," defense attorney Anthony Iacullo said. "My client isn't pleading guilty to murder."

Tedesco, 25, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of unlawful possession of a weapon for failing to obtain a permit to carry the gun, which was found in his vehicle after the murder occured. He also pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose. Each charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison if Tedesco is found guilty.

The defense requested an additional 60 days to gather evidence, including photos and outstanding DNA samples, before further action is taken. A status conference has been set for Nov. 29 at the state Superior Court in Newton.

Once the discovery, or gathering of evidence is complete, Iacullo believes the plea deal will still be on the table for an additional 60 days. "Giussepe Tedesco is not guilty," Iacullo said, "and we're confident that will come out in court."

Approximately a half dozen of the Ruggieri family members were in the courtroom during the proceedings and nearly a dozen of Tedesco's family members were there, as well. When Iacullo left the courtroom with the Tedesco family, members of the Ruggieri family tried approaching the defense attorney and asked how could he live with himself. A court officer intervened and had both families escorted out of the building separately.

Tedesco faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder.