Newark School Ordered to Pay $30M in Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Jury finds school board and city liable for repeated assaults by after-school program director

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A jury in Newark, New Jersey awarded $30 million to a 44-year-old man who said he was repeatedly sexually abused as a child in the 1990s by an after-school teacher at his public elementary school. The jury found the Newark Board of Education and the City of Newark liable for the abuse, which the victim's lawyers say started when he was 9 years old and continued for years.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of childhood sexual abuse and the failure of institutions to protect vulnerable students. The large judgment reflects the severity of the trauma inflicted and the long-lasting effects on the victim. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability in school programs, as well as the importance of reporting and addressing abuse allegations promptly.

The details

According to the victim's lawyers, the abuse started in 1990 when the boy was in 3rd grade at the Ann Street School. The director of the after-school program, John Cantalupo, began by kissing and touching the boy, which eventually escalated to rape. Another teacher, Gene Foti, was aware of the boy's allegations but did not report or stop the abuse. Cantalupo died by suicide in 1995, a day after another boy reported abuse. The jury found the school board 70% liable, the city 20% liable, and Cantalupo's estate 10% liable.

  • The abuse started in 1990 when the victim was 9 years old and in 3rd grade.
  • The abuse continued for several years until 7th grade.
  • Cantalupo died by suicide in 1995, a day after another boy reported abuse.

The players

John Cantalupo

The director of the after-school program at the Ann Street School who repeatedly sexually abused the victim.

Gene Foti

A teacher at the Ann Street School who was aware of the victim's allegations against Cantalupo but did not report or stop the abuse.

Newark Board of Education

The school district found 70% liable for the abuse due to the failure to report and stop the abuse.

City of Newark

The city government found 20% liable for the abuse.

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What they’re saying

“At the time, I thought it was maybe a misunderstanding, it was maybe horseplay in the playground. I just didn't think that this man would do that.”

— Gene Foti, Teacher

“We want our students and their families to know that this administration is fully committed to making sure students are safe. We will not tolerate inappropriate conduct toward any child, and will pursue appropriate consequences for any such misconduct to the full extent of the law.”

— Paul Brubaker, Communications Director, Newark Board of Education

“While the city wants to voice our condemnation of sexual abuse in the strongest possible terms, we uphold our right to disagree with the verdict and intends to file an appeal.”

— Kenyatta Stewart, Chief Lawyer, City of Newark

What’s next

The city and school board have indicated they plan to appeal the $30 million judgment.

The takeaway

This case underscores the devastating consequences when schools fail to protect students from predatory adults, and the importance of prompt reporting and action on abuse allegations. The large jury award reflects the severity of the trauma inflicted and the long-lasting impact on the victim.