Home / Crime and Justice / Decades-Old Abuse Scandal Rocks New Jersey Town
Decades-Old Abuse Scandal Rocks New Jersey Town
15 Oct
Summary
- Survivors of abuse by beloved teacher John Anagnosti come forward
- School board accused of covering up abuse for over 50 years
- Victims awarded $6 million in settlements against school board
In October 2025, a decades-old abuse scandal is rocking the town of Leonia, New Jersey. Survivors of sexual abuse by former elementary school teacher John Anagnosti, known as "Mr. A", are finally speaking out after years of silence.
Back in the 1980s, Mr. A was convicted of molesting a student, but the Leonia community rallied around him, raising money for his defense and even publishing a letter thanking him. Despite the conviction, Mr. A received only probation and a small fine. Now, due to expanded statutes of limitations, more alleged victims are coming forward, including two brothers who sued the school board and won a combined $6 million settlement in 2024.
The survivors, including Michael Gonzales and his brother Joe, claim the school board knew about Mr. A's actions but did nothing to stop the abuse, which allegedly spanned nearly 15 years. At a recent city council meeting, the men broke their silence, sharing emotional testimonies about the trauma they endured. The school board has denied any wrongdoing, but says it is taking the concerns seriously and is involved in active litigation related to the matter.
As more survivors continue to come forward, the community is grappling with the painful realization that their beloved teacher was actually a predator, and that the authorities failed to protect the children under their care. The Leonia abuse scandal serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of listening to victims and holding institutions accountable for past failures.
