Saint Thomas Aquinas Teacher Charged With Child Pornography Offenses
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 6:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
EDISON, NJ.- On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, a 50-year-old Morristown, New Jersey, man employed as a teacher at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with allegedly producing and distributing digital images and video files of child pornography.
According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Axel Palomares, 50, of Morristown, New Jersey, was taken into custody and formally charged with second-degree Manufacturing of Child Pornography; second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; third-degree Possession of Child Pornography; and fourth-degree Invasion of Privacy.
Palomares was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility, pending future court proceedings in Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion with the court to detain Palomares pending trial.
The charges stem from an investigation that began when Detectives of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office received a CyberTip from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regarding Palomares’ alleged internet child pornography activities.
Investigation Uncovers Child Pornography Crimes
An investigation was launched and led by Detective Ken McGarry of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. During the investigation, Detective McGarry determined that Palomares utilized the internet to view, download, possess, produce, and distribute digital images and video files depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. As a result of the investigation, Detective McGarry determined that Palomares committed child pornography offenses, resulting in the charges being filed.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation or other incidents involving Palomares’ conduct is urged to contact Detective McGarry of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3140. All calls will be kept confidential.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
