On June 28, 2025, Horowitz Law filed a civil lawsuit against The Peddie School, a prestigious New Jersey college prep boarding school located in Hightstown, for its alleged failure to prevent, detect, or act upon years of sexual abuse perpetrated by a faculty member on a student.
The complaint, filed in Mercer County Superior Court, outlines not only the harrowing abuse the victim endured as a teenager but also a broader pattern of institutional inaction. The lawsuit shines a light on how trusted institutions can fail the very people they are meant to protect, and how the legal system—when supported by changes in statute—can provide a path forward for survivors.
The lawsuit was filed after a complaint was made by a woman alleging she was sexually assaulted as underage student by a male faculty member while attending The Peddie School in New Jersey. The Plaintiff in the lawsuit is represented by sexual abuse attorneys Adam Horowitz and Alexandra Slater of Horowitz Law, and by Jeffrey P. Fritz of Soloff & Zervanos.
Allegations in the Complaint
The Plaintiff was enrolled as a freshman at The Peddie School at the age of 14. She lived on campus and was under the day-to-day care of faculty and staff. It was during this vulnerable transition into adolescence that she met Frank Schermerhorn, an athletic coach, dormitory supervisor, and student advisor.
According to the lawsuit, Schermerhorn used his role as her athletics coach and advisor to gain the Plaintiff's trust, isolate her from her family, and eventually exploit her for his own sexual gratification. Over the course of several years, the abuse allegedly occurred both on and off campus, in school facilities, cars, and even during off-site trips to sporting events. Schermerhorn used AOL Instant Messenger, physical affection, and promises of athletic promotion to slowly gain psychological control over the Plaintiff. He reportedly encouraged her to lie about their interactions and framed their "relationship" as a secret love affair.
Attorney Adam Horowitz stated, "We stand firmly with our client as she bravely seeks justice for the unimaginable trauma she endured. Our commitment to supporting survivors of abuse is unwavering, and we believe that this case will not only bring accountability to those responsible but also empower others to come forward."
At Horowitz Law, we are committed to advocating for the rights of survivors and ensuring that their voices are heard. Together, we can work towards a future where all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek justice. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, we encourage you to reach out for support. Your voice matters, and we are here to help.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse in schools and other educational settings. If you or a loved one was sexually abused, raped, or sexually molested by a principal, teacher, or another school employee, contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or e-mail sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz, at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.