Paterson’s Eastside High School security guard charged with sexual assault of student
Paterson NJ Feb 15, 2023 A 28-year-old Bergen County man who worked as a security guard at Paterson’s Eastside High School was arrested Monday and charged with sexual assault involving a 16-year-old victim.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office identified the guard as Everald Palmer of New Milford. Paterson school officials confirmed Palmer was the guard who was removed from Eastside last week amid allegations he engaged in “inappropriate contact” with a student.
Palmer also was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The Prosecutor’s Office said the alleged sexual assault happened in New Milford “on one occasion.”
“This should set an example for anyone who wants to break the law like this,” said Councilman Luis Velez, who contacted school officials about the situation after a parent alerted him to the allegations. “Kids are kids. We’re supposed to protect them, not take advantage of them.”
Paterson Schools Superintendent Eileen Shafer thanked Eastside Principal Edgard Nieves, Security Director Dalton Price and Security Supervisor Robert Silva for their quick intervention.
“Their action and cooperation with law enforcement helped the authorities make the arrest that was announced today,” Shafer said. “We will continue to provide the student with support services as they are needed. The suspect was immediately terminated last week and will never work at Paterson Public Schools again.”
The Prosecutor’s Office did not reveal whether the alleged assault happened at Palmer’s home or some other location in New Milford.
The guard worked for Arrow Security, a private firm hired by the district, city education officials said. The private firm could not be reached for comment.
