Edison, NJ – A teacher and coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison has been charged with four counts related to child sex crimes, with some of the alleged offenses occurring on school property. Axel Palomares, 50, of Morristown, was taken into custody without incident at his home on May 27. He faces charges including second-degree manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material, and fourth-degree invasion of privacy, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
NJ High School Teacher and Coach Arrested on Child Sex
The charges against Palomares stem from a cyber tip received by the New Jersey State Police. The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation, which led to the search of St. Thomas Aquinas High School on May 27 and the subsequent arrest of Palomares at his Morristown residence. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility pending a pre-trial detention hearing.
School and Diocese Response to Sex Crime Charges Against Teacher
The administration of St. Thomas Aquinas High School cooperated fully with local, county, and state law enforcement during the investigation, according to a statement from the Diocese of Metuchen. Law enforcement officials informed the diocese that the alleged crimes took place at the school among other locations.
Diocese officials stated that a review of Palomares’ employment records revealed no prior cause for concern. He had passed all required criminal background checks and was compliant with the policies and training requirements mandated by the school and the diocese.
“We are devastated to learn that some of our students’ privacy may have been violated by this sickening conduct. The safety of our students is always a top priority of St. Thomas Aquinas High School and the Diocese of Metuchen. The actions of this individual, if true, are a betrayal of the trust of our students, faculty, and administration,” the diocese said in its statement.
School counselors are available to support students, and the diocese has pledged to work with law enforcement to explore additional measures to protect students from similar incidents in the future.
Palomares’ Role at the School
Palomares had been announced as the girls’ soccer coach in August 2024 and taught Spanish at the school since the 2022–2023 academic year. He is no longer listed on the school’s roster of athletic coaches.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains active, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact Detective Ken McGarry of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3140.
School Sexual Abuse Survivors Legal Options
When allegations of sexual abuse surface in schools, students and families are often left with urgent questions about their rights and next steps. Attorney Stewart Ryan, who has represented numerous survivors in New Jersey, shares practical legal guidance for those impacted by abuse at the hands of a teacher or coach, outlining available protections, support resources, and the process of holding both individuals and institutions accountable.
Laurence Banville: Stewart, when someone is abused by a teacher or coach, what steps can they take to protect themselves and begin seeking accountability?
Stewart Ryan, Esq.: The first thing is to ensure safety—reporting the abuse to law enforcement and school authorities is critical. After that, survivors have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and, in some cases, the institution if there was negligence in hiring, supervision, or reporting. New Jersey law allows survivors to bring claims even years after the abuse, thanks to recent changes extending the statute of limitations.
Banville: What support is available for students and their families during this process?
Ryan: Many schools offer counseling services, and there are local organizations dedicated to helping survivors. Legally, survivors can seek compensation for emotional distress, therapy costs, and other damages. Attorneys experienced in these cases can guide families through the process, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
Banville: Is the school also potentially liable in these cases?
Ryan: Yes, if it can be shown that the school failed to act on warning signs or did not follow proper procedures for background checks and supervision, they can be held responsible. Each situation is unique, so it’s important for survivors to consult with an attorney to understand all possible avenues for justice and recovery.
Don’t Wait to Take Action: Free Consultation Available for Survivors and Families
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse by a teacher or coach, help is within reach. Understanding your rights and exploring legal options can be the first step toward healing and accountability. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation—our team is ready to listen, support, and guide you through every stage of the process. You don’t have to face this alone.
Source
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
