“Positions of Power”: New Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Targets Paramus Catholic Over 1980s Claims

Allegations Involving a Coach and a Gym Teacher

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

PARAMUS, NJ — A former student has filed a harrowing new lawsuit against Paramus Catholic High School and the Archdiocese of Newark, alleging they were sexually assaulted by two prominent staff members during the mid-to-late 1980s.

The complaint, filed on December 17, 2025, adds to a growing list of legal actions involving the North Jersey private school. The plaintiff, who remains unnamed, seeks to hold the religious institutions accountable for what they describe as a systemic failure to protect vulnerable minors from known predators.

Allegations Involving a Coach and a Gym Teacher

The lawsuit identifies two former employees as the abusers: Bernard Garris, the school’s former hockey coach, and Donn Ernst, a former gym teacher.

According to the filing, the abuse occurred between 1986 and 1989, while the plaintiff was between the ages of 14 and 17. The suit alleges the Archdiocese and the school placed these men in “positions of power” that granted them unfettered access to children as a fundamental part of their employment.

• Bernard Garris: Died in 2016. He has been named in numerous prior lawsuits, including a 2011 case that resulted in a settlement.

• Donn Ernst: Died in 2021. This lawsuit is among several others alleging he worked alongside Garris to exploit students.

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A “Devout” Upbringing and Exploited Trust

The plaintiff describes growing up in a devout Roman Catholic household where the Church was viewed with “great admiration, trust, and reverence.” This deep-seated respect allegedly made the student uniquely vulnerable to exploitation by staff members.

The lawsuit claims the “culture of the Church” created an environment where reporting the abuse felt impossible. The complaint argues that the school, the Archdiocese, and the Brothers of the Christian Schools knew—or should have known—that Ernst and Garris posed a danger to children but failed to act.

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A Pattern of Litigation

This is far from the first time Paramus Catholic has faced these specific names in court.

• 11+ Lawsuits: As of late 2021, at least 11 lawsuits had been filed against the school regarding Garris’s conduct.

• Settlement History: Garris was the center of a 2011 abuse suit that was settled for an undisclosed amount, leading critics to argue the Archdiocese had ample warning of his behavior.

• Current Claims: The plaintiff is now suing for negligence, negligent training and supervision, and negligent retention.

Archdiocese Response: “We do not comment on matters in litigation,” said Maria Margiotta, Executive Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Newark.

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Seeking Justice and Accountability

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages, attorney fees, and the costs of the lawsuit. More importantly, the suit aims to highlight a “high threat of recidivism” within the Church’s programs during that era, claiming the defendants were aware that multiple agents had molested children but allowed them to remain in contact with students.

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Case Summary: Paramus Catholic Litigation

Detail	Information
Defendants	Archdiocese of Newark, Paramus Catholic, Brothers of the Christian Schools
Accused	Bernard Garris (Hockey Coach) & Donn Ernst (Gym Teacher)
Timeframe	1986 – 1989
Legal Charges	Negligence, Negligent Supervision, Negligent Retention
Status	Active Litigation (Filed Dec 17, 2025)

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