Paramus Catholic Faces New Lawsuit: Former Coach Accused in Decades-Long Abuse Scandal
the staff mof the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, The legal firestorm surrounding Paramus Catholic High School continues to grow. On January 14, 2026, a new sexual assault lawsuit was filed against the school, the Archdiocese of Newark, and the Christian Brothers, centering on the alleged actions of former teacher and hockey coach Bernard Garris.
This latest filing is the second in just two months, adding to a mountain of litigation claiming that school and church officials turned a blind eye to predatory behavior for decades.
The Allegations: A Pattern of Abuse and Concealment
The lawsuit, filed by an unidentified former student, alleges that Garris repeatedly sexually abused them on school grounds. While the specific years of the incident were not disclosed in the initial complaint, it follows a familiar and disturbing pattern described in previous cases.
Key details from the legal filing include:
-
Institutional Negligence: The suit claims the Archdiocese and Paramus Catholic “knew or should have known” about Garris’ behavior but chose to conceal the abuse rather than protect students.
-
A History of Violence: Garris was reportedly terminated in 1987 for physically abusing students, yet survivors argue the school failed to address the sexual nature of his misconduct earlier.
-
Betrayal of Trust: The plaintiff notes they were raised in a “devout Roman Catholic family” where parents were taught to instinctively trust the clergy and school staff.
The “Garris and Ernst” Legacy
Bernard Garris (who died in 2016) and former gym teacher Donn Ernst (who died in 2021) have been the primary subjects of at least 11 lawsuits filed since 2021. Allegations against the duo date back as far as the 1980s.
Despite a 2011 abuse suit involving Garris that resulted in a settlement, new victims continue to emerge, painting a picture of a systemic failure within one of North Jersey’s most prominent private schools.
The Clock is Ticking: Why More Survivors are Coming Forward Now
James Sullivan, the attorney representing the plaintiff, is urging other former students who may have been victimized to speak up immediately.
The Legal Window: In 2019, New Jersey law expanded the ability for survivors to seek justice. However, under current statutes, the window to file a civil suit typically closes once a victim turns 55 years old.
“The window to file a civil suit against abuse is closing every day for some,” Sullivan warned, noting that for students from the 1970s and 80s, the time to take legal action is nearly exhausted.
Seeking Accountability
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal fees. As of this week, the Archdiocese of Newark has not issued a formal response to the latest allegations.
For the Paramus Catholic community, this case serves as a painful reminder of a dark chapter in the school’s history that remains unresolved for many alumni.
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: [email protected]
