New Jersey School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Compensation for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

At Injury Lawyer Team, we represent individuals harmed by childhood sexual abuse and hold schools accountable when abuse occurred. A New Jersey school sexual abuse lawsuit may involve a single staff member or an entire school district, and our attorneys have the experience to pursue both.

We guide sexual abuse victims, including former students, in filing civil claims to seek justice and compensation for the trauma they’ve endured. By leveraging the state’s updated statute of limitations and legal protections, we build strong and effective cases for our clients.

In many previous instances, schools and staff were held vicariously liable when they failed to take appropriate action, and we secured meaningful settlements or verdicts for clients bringing New Jersey sexual abuse lawsuits.

Allegations of Sexual Abuse at New Jersey Schools

New Jersey’s Child Victims Act and related reforms have revealed a long history of alleged misconduct in schools, from public elementary classrooms to prestigious private high schools.

Below is a combined overview of key school sexual abuse lawsuits showing how these allegations unfolded, how survivors are using the state’s updated laws to pursue civil litigation, and where each case stands procedurally.

Camden City School District (Cooper B. Hatch Middle School) — Wasim Muhammad 

In September 2021, Salema Hicks Robinson filed a civil lawsuit under the Child Victims Act alleging that Wasim Muhammad, then a Camden teacher and later President of the Camden City School Advisory Board, sexually abused her starting at age 14 in 1994. According to her complaint, the abuse began at Cooper B. Hatch Middle School and continued for several years.

In May 2024, a civil jury found Muhammad and the Camden City District liable for negligence and maintaining a sexually hostile educational environment, awarding $1.6 million. The District subsequently approved a $2 million settlement in August 2024, one of the largest such resolutions since NJ’s statute of limitations reform.

Muhammad resigned from his Board position in September 2024 while denying wrongdoing. There are no criminal charges pending, but state child protection investigators substantiated the allegations spanning 1992–1994.

South Orange–Maplewood School District (Columbia High School) — Nicole DuFault

At Columbia High School, teacher Nicole DuFault was arrested in 2014 and later indicted on 40 counts of aggravated sexual assault and child endangerment involving six male students aged 14–15 between 2013 and 2014. In 2020, she pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact, surrendered her teaching license, and registered as a sex offender.

On the civil side, the South Orange–Maplewood Board of Education faced eight lawsuits alleging officials ignored reports of misconduct. In January 2025, two of those suits settled for a combined $550,000, while five others were consolidated and stayed pending appeal. The cases also allege racial discrimination, asserting DuFault targeted black male students with disabilities.

Winslow Township School District (Edgewood High School) — Nicholas Zaccaria

Two former male students sued Nicholas Zaccaria, a social studies teacher and stage-crew adviser at Winslow Township High School (known until 2000 as Edgewood High School), alleging sexual assaults between 1998 and 2003. With criminal charges time-barred, the plaintiffs turned to civil court under the Child Victims Act.

In February 2024, the Winslow Township Board of Education approved a $6 million settlement—$3 million per plaintiff—representing one of the largest public-school settlements in the state.

Edison School District (Edison High School) — Frederick Burkley

Multiple alumni at Edison High School accused former woodshop teacher Frederick Burkley of sexually abusing at least nine boys between 1979 and 1985. Burkley was arrested in 1986 and pleaded guilty to related charges at the time, but survivors only began taking legal action after the 2019 reform.

In November 2024, the District settled one lawsuit for $3 million on the eve of trial. By early 2025, five other plaintiffs had settled claims totaling $8.9 million, and insurer filings projected $11 million in total exposure.

Lacey Township School District (Forked River and Lanoka Harbor Elementary Schools) — Fr. Lawrence Gadek

In August 2025, a new civil case was filed against the Lacey Township Board of Education, alleging that Fr. Lawrence Gadek, a former Roman Catholic priest turned teacher, sexually abused a plaintiff repeatedly between 1977 and 1980, beginning when she was six years old.

This followed a 2024 lawsuit by another plaintiff who alleged daily abuse at Forked River and Lanoka Harbor Elementary Schools between 1977 and 1981, including fondling, digital penetration, and nude photographs. Both complaints say Gadek, the New Jersey clergy accused of sexual abuse, used “extra help” sessions to isolate students.

Paterson School District (Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts and School 8) — Rashawn McGuire and Edward Clarke

In February 2025, a woman received a $1.25 million settlement from Paterson District after alleging that Rashawn McGuire, a security guard at Rosa Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts, sexually abused her six or seven times in 2012–2013 when she was 15. McGuire was convicted of criminal sexual contact and served 210 days in jail plus five years of probation.

Also in February 2025, another student received $337,500 after alleging that Edward Clarke, a former gym teacher at Paterson’s School 8, groped her breasts when she was 13. Clarke had been indicted in 2016 and pleaded guilty to a fourth-degree offense in 2019.

Fort Lee School District (Lewis F. Cole Middle School) — Howard Sidorsky

In March 2024, two past students sued the Fort Lee District, alleging sexual abuse by Howard Sidorsky, a special education math teacher at Lewis F. Cole Middle School, starting when they were 12–13 years old. The lawsuits assert the district ignored their pleas for help from 2012 through 2017 and allowed harassment and inappropriate touching to continue.

Weehawken School District (Woodrow Wilson Junior High School) — Janis Maltin

In October 2023, Weehawken School District agreed to pay $700,000 to settle a lawsuit by an ex-student who alleged 13 months of sexual abuse (1979–1980) by art teacher Janis Maltin (formerly Tepe) at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School. The abuse allegedly occurred at school and off-site apartments when he was 14-15 years old. 

Clinton Township School District (Clinton Middle School and Round Valley School) — John Gerry Sirotnak

In August 2021, three alumni sued the Clinton Township District, alleging that John Gerry Sirotnak, a teacher at Clinton Middle School and Round Valley School, sexually abused them in the 1960s and 1970s. Each suit seeks $50 million in punitive damages, claiming the district ignored repeated complaints and allowed the abuse to continue.

According to the lawsuits, Sirotnak groomed and fondled students as young as 12, including in supply closets, astronomy clubs, and in his own home during tutoring sessions.

One plaintiff says his father reported the misconduct to the principal and school board in the 1970s, yet no action was taken. Another tried to warn the district again in 1984 when his nephew was placed in Sirotnak’s class, which still didn’t result in any disciplinary response. As of December 2021, a total of eight former students have come forward with similar claims.

Waldwick School District (Waldwick and Mahwah High Schools) — Michael Healy

In April 2021, lawsuits were filed by three past students against Waldwick District alleging sexual abuse in the 1980s by substitute teacher and lunchroom monitor Michael Healy at Waldwick High School. 

In August 2021, a fourth student alleged that abuse continued at Mahwah High School, including a car incident after rehearsal in 1989. The plaintiff alleges that after a rehearsal, Healy offered the student a ride home and, during the drive, allegedly groped him and engaged in oral sex.

Englewood School District (Engle Street School and Dwight Morrow High School) — Mr. Durkin

In February 2021, a former student sued the Englewood School District, alleging sexual abuse beginning in 1967 by teacher Mr. Durkin during an overnight trip and continuing for years, including nude photographs. The lawsuit also alleges abuse by another teacher at Dwight Morrow High School.

Scotch Plains–Fanwood Regional School District (Terrill Middle School) — Unnamed Teacher

In November 2021, an ex-student sued the Scotch Plains–Fanwood Regional School District and the New Jersey Department of Education, alleging she was sexually abused more than 160 times in the 1970s by an unnamed teacher at Terrill Middle School. She claims she reported the abuse to a guidance counselor, but no action was taken.

Archdiocese of Newark (Paramus Catholic High School) — Bernard Garris and Donn Ernst

In May 2023, four Paramus Catholic High School graduates sued the school alongside the Archdiocese of Newark and the Christian Brothers, alleging they were sexually abused throughout their high school years in the 1980s.

The Newark sexual abuse lawsuits name two different staff members. Bernard Garris, a former hockey coach, is accused of repeatedly abusing students on campus and during off-campus athletic trips between roughly 1985 and 1988. Donn Ernst, a former gym teacher, is accused in two of the four suits of also sexually assaulting students during the same period, in the gym and other school settings.

Both sets of claims assert that administrators and the Archdiocese ignored warning signs and failed to take appropriate action, allowing the abuse to continue.

The Pingry School (Private, Essex County) — Bruce Bohrer

In November 2021, a man sued The Pingry School in Short Hills and other entities, alleging he was sexually abused repeatedly by woodshop teacher Bruce Bohrer during the 1981–1982 school year, starting at age 8. Besides the private school sexual abuse lawsuit, investigators have tied Bohrer to dozens of alleged victims.

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School (Private, Middlesex County) — Axel Palomares

In May 2025, Axel Palomares, a Spanish teacher and soccer coach at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison, was arrested and criminally charged with creating and possessing child sexual abuse material, child endangerment, and invasion of privacy. Law enforcement allege he filmed students in compromising positions from April 2022 to March 2025, including at malls and on campus.

What Do NJ School Sexual Abuse Cases Have in Common?

Taken together, these cases illustrate how sex abuse victims can now seek justice even decades after the abuse occurred, how school districts can be held vicariously liable for failing to take appropriate measures, and how settlements and verdicts can reach millions.

They also show the full spectrum of procedural postures—from active criminal prosecutions and guilty pleas to multimillion-dollar civil settlements—demonstrating the reach of New Jersey’s amended laws in protecting survivors who were sexually abused during childhood.

What Damages Can Victims of Alleged Sexual Abuse Recover? 

Through school sexual abuse lawsuits, survivors can pursue compensation for a wide range of harms:

Economic Damages

• Therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and medications
• Hospital or clinic treatment costs
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity caused by the trauma
• Educational or vocational support to rebuild future prospects

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional pain and suffering, PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment of life and reduced quality of relationships
• Shame, humiliation, and ongoing reputational harm

Punitive Damages

• Awarded when a school district, administrator, or staff member acted with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or covered up sex abuse
• Designed to punish wrongdoing and deter future misconduct

What Laws Govern Cases of Sexual Abuse in New Jersey Schools?

When we handle school sex abuse lawsuits, we apply a combination of state and federal laws that impose strict duties on schools, teachers, and administrators to prevent, report, and address childhood sex abuse. These laws also create civil liability for institutions that fail to act.

State Laws

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 9:6-8.10 — Mandatory Reporting

We use this statute to show that school personnel are mandated reporters. Teachers, administrators, and staff must immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Failure to report can help establish negligence.

N.J.A.C. 6A:16-11.1 — Department of Education Policy Requirement

New Jersey’s Department of Education requires every school district to adopt and implement policies and procedures for identifying and reporting suspected abuse or neglect. We often subpoena these policies to show how a district’s failure to comply led to harm.

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:61B-1 — Civil Liability for Institutions

This statute expressly allows civil lawsuits against entities such as school districts, boards of education, and private schools when they enabled or concealed sexual abuse. We use it to hold districts vicariously liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or retention of staff who abuse students.

Federal Laws

Title IX (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.)

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and abuse, in any school receiving federal funds. We use it to pursue damages where districts were deliberately indifferent to sexual misconduct.

ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)

ESSA sets federal standards for safe learning environments and student protection, which can bolster claims that a district failed to create or maintain a safe educational setting.

Who Can Be Held Liable in School Sex Abuse Lawsuits?

Responsibility for sexual abuse claims in a school setting can extend far beyond the individual abuser. Under state law, the following may be named in a civil proceeding:

• Individual employees — teachers, coaches, counselors, security staff, or administrators accused of misconduct.
• School districts and boards of education — for negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to act on complaints, and for being legally accountable for employees’ actions.
• Principals and supervisors — where there was direct knowledge of warning signs but no intervention.
• Private schools, religious orders, and affiliated organizations — for enabling or concealing abuse.
• Outside contractors or youth programs — such as security companies or extracurricular groups that placed adults in contact with students.
• State or municipal agencies — when abuse occurs in publicly operated schools or programs.

How Long Do Present and Former Students Have to Take Legal Action for Alleged Abuse?

One of the first things we explain to new clients is how much time they have to act under New Jersey law. The statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims has changed dramatically, giving both current and past students far more time to pursue justice.

Criminal Charges

Under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:1-6, New Jersey has eliminated the statute of limitations for child sex crimes. This means prosecutors can bring criminal charges for many offenses at any time, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.

Civil Lawsuits

Under NJ Stat. § 2A:14-2a, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file civil claims:

• Up to age 55, or
• Within seven years of discovering that the abuse caused harm, whichever is later.

With these expanded deadlines, both present students and graduates now have a real opportunity to seek compensation and hold institutions accountable, even for sexual abuse that happened long ago. Acting promptly, however, still helps preserve evidence and strengthen a case.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

Handling cases of sexual misconduct in schools requires sensitivity, legal skill, and persistence. In our firm, we provide comprehensive support to survivors from the first phone call to the final resolution of their claims.

We provide:

Free and Confidential Consultations

We begin by listening. Survivors can speak with us in a confidential setting to understand their legal rights and options without pressure or cost.

Statute of Limitations and Eligibility Analysis

We apply New Jersey’s Child Victims Act and related statutes to determine whether a claim can still be filed, even if the abuse occurred decades ago.

Evidence Gathering and Investigation

Our team subpoenas school records, staff files, and prior complaints, interviews witnesses, and works with experts to document harm and institutional negligence.

Civil Litigation

We prepare and file lawsuits naming not just the perpetrator but also school districts, boards, private schools, or religious orders that failed to protect students.

Settlement Negotiation and Trial Representation

We fight for maximum compensation, whether through settlement or verdict, and are ready to take a case to court if that’s what it takes.

Trauma-Informed Support Throughout the Case

We collaborate with mental health professionals to ensure our clients feel safe and supported at every stage.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. By combining legal experience with compassion, we guide survivors through the process of seeking justice and holding institutions accountable under NJ law.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or someone you care about were sexually abused in a New Jersey school, you can contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll explain how civil sexual abuse lawsuits work and what your options may be.

Our firm handles these cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and we only receive a fee if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your healing while we focus on your case.

You can learn more and contact us at 866-757-6452. We’re ready to help you understand your rights, evaluate your potential claim, and start the path toward justice.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.