Toms River, NJ – A 34-year-old woman has filed a civil lawsuit in Ocean County Superior Court accusing a Plumsted Township firefighter of sexually assaulting her inside a firehouse bay after the two met through social media, according to court records. The complaint, filed December 3, alleges the encounter took place in late September at Plumsted Township Fire District #1 in New Egypt.
The suit names firefighter Matt Jakob, Plumsted Township, Plumsted Township Fire District #1 and the New Egypt Fire Company as defendants. The plaintiff, identified in filings as “B.S.,” alleges she was assaulted during what was supposed to be an initial in-person meeting.
According to the civil complaint, the plaintiff and Jakob began communicating online in early September and discussed meeting in person. The complaint states the pair agreed that no sexual contact would occur during their first meeting. The woman alleges that on September 25, she went to the firehouse at 32 Brynmore Road around 9 p.m., where Jakob was on duty.
Court filings claim that after initially speaking inside the firehouse bay, Jakob made unwanted sexual advances and proceeded to sexually assault her despite her objections. The complaint alleges the assault continued for an extended period and included additional acts after the plaintiff attempted to leave. The woman alleges she left the firehouse shortly before 11:30 p.m.
The lawsuit outlines multiple causes of action, including sexual assault, assault and battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It also alleges violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and federal civil rights statutes.
- Lawsuit filed December 3 in Ocean County Superior Court
- Firefighter accused of assault inside Plumsted Township firehouse
- Multiple civil claims filed against firefighter and municipal entities
Civil rights and discrimination claims
In addition to claims of assault and battery, the complaint asserts that Jakob acted “under color of state law,” alleging a violation of the plaintiff’s Fourteenth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. §1983. The suit contends that the firefighter used his position and access to the firehouse to facilitate the alleged assault.
The filing further alleges sex discrimination in a place of public accommodation under New Jersey law, claiming the fire district and township failed to prevent unlawful conduct. The complaint includes counts of negligent hiring, supervision and retention, and seeks to hold the municipal defendants vicariously liable.
According to the court documents, the plaintiff claims she has suffered emotional distress, psychological injury and other damages as a result of the incident. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, interest and a trial by jury.