St. Thomas Aquinas High School Coach Charged in Shocking Child Sexual Abuse Case

Coach at Edison Catholic School Faces Multiple Child Sex Crime Charges

In a disturbing development out of Middlesex County, a teacher and girls soccer coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged with multiple child sexual abuse offenses—some of which allegedly occurred on school grounds.

Axel Palomares, 50, of Morristown, was taken into custody on May 27 and is facing serious 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

• Fourth-degree invasion of privacy

Following his arrest, Palomares was held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility, pending a pre-trial detention hearing.

Cyber Tip Leads to Investigation and Arrest

Authorities began investigating Palomares after receiving a cyber tip from the New Jersey State Police, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was handled by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, which traced suspicious activity that ultimately led investigators to Palomares and to a search of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

Investigators later confirmed that some of the alleged crimes took place at the school, a fact that has left the Edison community reeling.

Diocese of Metuchen Responds to Allegations

The Diocese of Metuchen, which oversees St. Thomas Aquinas High School, issued a statement expressing deep concern and outrage:

“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,” the Diocese stated. “The actions of this individual, if true, are a betrayal of the trust of our students, faculty, and administration.”

According to the Diocese, Palomares passed all required criminal background checks and was compliant with the school’s safety protocols, raising troubling questions about how such behavior could go undetected.

He had been serving as the girls soccer coach since August 2024 and is no longer listed among the school’s athletic staff.

A Call for Accountability and Student Protection

This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of abuse emerging from trusted institutions where children should feel safe. Survivors, families, and communities are left searching for answers and accountability.

Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., lead attorney for Survivors of Abuse NJ, emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and proactive prevention measures in all educational and religious institutions:

“Every institution entrusted with the care of children must go beyond minimal compliance. They must create environments where abuse cannot take root—and when it does, they must be held fully accountable,” said Messa.

Legal Support for Victims of Sexual Abuse in New Jersey Schools

At Survivors of Abuse NJ, we represent victims of sexual abuse in educational, religious, and athletic settings. If you or your child has experienced abuse by a school official, coach, or trusted mentor, you are not alone—and you have legal options.

We help survivors seek justice through civil litigation and advocate for systemic reforms to protect future generations.

Contact Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq. today for a confidential, free consultation at (800) 220-7600 or visit https://survivorsofabusenj.com.

Investigation Ongoing – Authorities Seek Information

This case remains active and under investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with relevant information to come forward. If you have any details, contact Detective Ken McGarry of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3140.

Your voice matters. Speaking up can help ensure justice is served and prevent further harm.

Disclaimer: All individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is for informational purposes only.

Source:

https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/crime/2025/05/27/saint-thomas-aquinas-high-school-teacher-sex-axel-palomares/83885894007/