Teacher at Catholic High School Charged in Years-Long Child Abuse Investigation
Edison, NJ — A veteran Spanish teacher and girls’ soccer coach at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School has been arrested and charged in one of the most disturbing cases of child sexual exploitation in New Jersey in recent memory. Axel Palomares, 50, was taken into custody without incident at his Morristown residence following an intensive multi-agency investigation that uncovered extensive evidence of the sexual abuse and secret recording of students over a period of nearly three years.
According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Palomares has been charged with multiple felonies, 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
Multi-Year Investigation Uncovers Pattern of Abuse
Detectives from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit began their investigation after a critical tip was received from the New Jersey State Police. Over the course of their inquiry, investigators gathered damning digital evidence linking Palomares to dozens of illicit recordings involving minors.
Authorities allege that between April 2022 and March 2025, Palomares used his classroom at the private Catholic high school as a covert staging ground for criminal acts, secretly recording students in sexually exploitative situations. In addition, surveillance footage and electronic records place him at multiple retail locations — including restrooms and stores in the Bridgewater Commons and Short Hills Mall — where he is accused of capturing indecent images of underage children without their knowledge.
Community Reels as Catholic School Responds
The Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, which oversees Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, issued a public statement expressing outrage and sorrow over the allegations. The Diocese confirmed full cooperation with law enforcement authorities and announced immediate efforts to strengthen school security protocols.
“We are devastated to learn that some of our students’ privacy may have been violated by this sickening conduct,” the Diocese stated. “Counseling and emotional support services have been made available to any student or family in need.”
In response to the investigation, law enforcement conducted a search of the school’s premises and confiscated materials believed to be connected to the ongoing case. Digital forensics teams are now examining numerous devices seized from both the school and Palomares’ home.
Legal Proceedings and Incarceration
Palomares is currently held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility, where he awaits a pre-trial detention hearing. If convicted of the most serious charges, he faces decades in prison under New Jersey state sentencing guidelines. Prosecutors have indicated they will push for maximum penalties given the prolonged nature of the offenses and the breach of trust inherent in his role as an educator and coach.
The investigation remains active, and prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges. Authorities have also urged any individuals who may have information related to this case or potential victims to contact the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office directly.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Response
This case underscores the vital role of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a specialized unit dedicated to combating digital child exploitation. The ICAC’s collaboration with local and state agencies in this matter demonstrates the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in bringing child predators to justice.
Agencies Involved:
Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
New Jersey State Police
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
Edison Police Department
Catholic Diocese of Metuchen
Implications for Schools and Child Protection Policy
This arrest is prompting renewed scrutiny on background checks, surveillance protocols, and teacher monitoring practices across private and parochial schools in New Jersey. Education officials are now facing increased public pressure to implement:
Comprehensive digital monitoring systems in classrooms
Transparent staff conduct reviews
Mandatory abuse reporting training for all faculty
Parents and community members are calling for legislation that would mandate additional oversight for educators working in one-on-one settings or extracurricular roles involving minors.
Conclusion
The case of Axel Palomares is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our educational institutions and the devastating impact a single bad actor can have on a community. As legal proceedings continue, New Jersey law enforcement and school systems alike are confronting difficult but necessary questions about safety, oversight, and accountability in student environments.
If you or someone you know has information related to this case or has been affected, contact the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3300.
