A former police officer and fire chief is accused of abusing his authority to commit sexual acts against fellow firefighters, prosecutors said.
Toms River, NJ – A retired Island Heights police officer and former volunteer fire chief has been arrested and charged with criminal sexual contact and official misconduct following a state investigation.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Friday that Robert M. Sinnott Jr. faces multiple counts tied to allegations of abuse involving fellow firefighters.
Authorities said the charges were the result of an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
Sinnott, who served as a police officer in Island Heights and as chief of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company in Toms River, was charged by complaint-warrant with four counts of criminal sexual contact and one count of official misconduct.
Allegations of abuse of authority
Investigators allege Sinnott used his position of trust to coerce other firefighters into non-consensual sexual contact between 2022 and 2023. Victims reportedly viewed him as a mentor and role model.
According to OPIA, Sinnott arranged to be alone with victims at his Toms River home, the firehouse, or other locations, where he allegedly handcuffed or restrained them under the guise of “training” before engaging in sexual acts.
Some incidents reportedly involved photographs taken without consent.
Arrest and extradition
Sinnott, now living in Cape Coral, Florida, was arrested Thursday by the Cape Coral Police SWAT Team with assistance from New Jersey authorities.
Search warrants were executed on his residence, vehicle, and person. He is being held at the Lee County Jail awaiting extradition to New Jersey.
The Office of the Attorney General emphasized that the charges are accusations and that Sinnott is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.