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A teacher and coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School located at 1 Tingley Ln, Edison, NJ 08820, is facing multiple charges related to child sex crimes, with some offenses allegedly occurring on school property. Authorities have identified the accused as Axel Palomares, 50, of Morristown, according to My Central Jersey.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Palomares was arrested on May 27, 2025, at his home without incident. He has been charged with 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. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility while awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated after a cyber tip was received by the New Jersey State Police. The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office conducted the probe, which ultimately led to Palomares' arrest. Law enforcement also searched St. Thomas Aquinas High School on May 27 as part of the ongoing investigation.
In a statement, the Diocese of Metuchen confirmed that some of the alleged crimes took place on school grounds. They also noted that a preliminary review of Palomares' employment records revealed no prior indications of concern. He had passed all mandatory background checks and had been in compliance with training and policy requirements.
The diocese expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “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.” School counselors have been made available to support affected students, and the diocese has pledged to collaborate with law enforcement to explore improved student protection measures.
Palomares, who was announced as the school’s girls soccer coach in August 2024, is no longer listed among the institution’s athletic staff.
This case remains under active investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the County Prosecutor’s Office.
When allegations of teacher related sexual abuse surface, survivors often face difficult questions about how to proceed. In the case of Axel Palomares, the St. Thomas Aquinas High School teacher and coach charged with multiple child sex crimes, many are left wondering what legal options are available to those affected. To address this, we spoke with Stewart Ryan, an experienced New Jersey sexual abuse attorney, who explained the legal pathways survivors can take to seek accountability and support.
Editor Darla Medina: For survivors of sexual abuse by a teacher or coach, what legal avenues are available to them in New Jersey?
Attorney Stewart Ryan: Survivors in New Jersey have several options. They can pursue criminal charges, which is handled by law enforcement and prosecutors, as in this case with Axel Palomares. Separately, survivors may have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or even the institution, such as a school or diocese, if negligence or failures in oversight can be demonstrated.
Medina: What does a civil lawsuit typically aim to achieve for survivors?
Ryan: A civil lawsuit focuses on holding individuals or institutions accountable while seeking financial compensation for the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm caused. It’s also a way for survivors to regain a sense of control and to send a message that this behavior won’t be tolerated.
Medina: In cases involving educators, how does the responsibility of the institution come into play?
Ryan: Institutions like schools or dioceses are obligated to maintain a safe environment for students. If it’s proven that they failed to act on warning signs, missed red flags during background checks, or didn’t implement proper safeguards, they could be held responsible in a civil court. This can apply even if the abuse wasn’t directly facilitated by the institution but occurred under its watch.
Medina: What would you say to survivors who are hesitant to come forward?
Ryan: I understand how difficult it can be. Speaking up is deeply personal, and survivors often fear backlash or reliving the trauma. However, sharing their story—whether through law enforcement, in a civil case, or confidentially to a trusted advocate—can help prevent future harm to others and bring a sense of empowerment. Support systems, including legal counsel, exist to guide them through the process.
Families impacted by cases of sexual abuse involving a teacher or coach often face overwhelming emotions and uncertainty about the next steps. You don’t have to face this alone. Our team is here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and explore your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your loved ones and holding those responsible accountable.
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