TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River Township continues pursuing a high-profile civil lawsuit against Silverton First Aid Squad and its president, former police officer and former councilman Kevin Geoghegan, over allegations involving township gasoline and disputed emergency medical billing revenue.
The lawsuit, which seeks more than $2 million in damages and penalties, remains active in Ocean County Superior Court as the political and legal battle between township officials and Silverton EMS continues to unfold.
Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing case.
Township Claims Silverton Improperly Used Public Gasoline
At the center of the lawsuit is Toms River’s allegation that Silverton EMS improperly used approximately 24,000 gallons of township-owned gasoline without reimbursing taxpayers.
Township officials claim the fuel, valued at tens of thousands of dollars, was intended for emergency service operations but was allegedly also used for personal vehicles in addition to ambulances and EMS units.
The lawsuit accuses Silverton and Geoghegan of civil theft and misconduct tied to the fuel usage.
Dispute Over $750,000 in Insurance “Load Fees”
Toms River also alleges Silverton EMS improperly withheld roughly $750,000 connected to insurance reimbursement fees under a 2019 shared services agreement.
Under that arrangement, the township handled dispatching and medical billing services for Silverton EMS. Toms River retained 20% of collected insurance reimbursements while remitting the remaining balance to the first aid squad.
According to the township, Silverton began directly billing insurance companies in 2021 and stopped forwarding funds officials say belonged to the municipality.
Township leaders argue those actions violated the agreement and caused significant financial losses.
Key Points
• Toms River seeks more than $2 million in damages against Silverton EMS and Kevin Geoghegan
• The lawsuit alleges misuse of 24,000 gallons of township-owned gasoline
• Officials also claim Silverton withheld roughly $750,000 in insurance-related fees
Dispatch Services Ended in 2024
The dispute intensified in July 2024 when Mayor Daniel Rodrick ordered Toms River to stop dispatching Silverton EMS for emergency calls, following in the footsteps of the late Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officers and lifelong Ocean County lawyer and prosecutor.
Kelaher knew something was not right with the organization, but his concerns were shelved by his successor, Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill, a close political ally of Geoghegan.
Like Kelaher before him, Rodrick said the move followed concerns about potential financial irregularities involving the squad’s operations. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office was also asked to review the matter. The town was getting cheated out of fees and fuel, according to the lawsuit. The taxpayers were paying to fuel up Geoghegan’s ambulances, who acted as a for-profit business, with no reimbursements to the township.
The loss of dispatch responsibilities significantly impacted Silverton EMS operations. Reports indicate the organization laid off dozens of employees after losing its township emergency response role. Their entire business seemed to rely on the alleged grift with the township under Mayor Hill.
Allegedly, the squad continues operating in a more limited capacity, including renting out portions of its building for private events.
Geoghegan Calls Lawsuit Political Retaliation
Geoghegan has strongly denied the allegations and argued the lawsuit is politically motivated, but attempts to dismiss the case have proven futile with the courts.
A vocal critic and political opponent of Mayor Rodrick, Geoghegan claims the legal action stems from longstanding political disputes involving township leadership and local allies, ignoring the facts presented by the township in the case.
The case has drawn attention across Ocean County because of Geoghegan’s past role as a Toms River councilman and police officer, as well as Silverton EMS’s longstanding presence in the community. Geoghegan ended up losing his re-election bid, with many citing his smugness and aggressive personality. Many remembered him as a heavy-handed police officer with a chip on his shoulder.
What Happens Next
The civil theft and misconduct case remains ongoing in Ocean County Superior Court, with no final ruling issued. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has not filed any charges against Geoghegan at this time.
Toms River continues seeking financial reimbursement, civil penalties, and additional legal remedies, including an effort to strip Silverton EMS of its tax-exempt status.
Despite the loss of the Silverton EMS, Toms River EMS calls are being answered and Rodrick’s expansion of the Toms River Police Department EMS has been credited for the continued high level of service.
Additional developments are expected as court proceedings continue.