OCEAN COUNTY — A former local fire official accused in multiple civil lawsuits of sexually abusing minors has been arrested in Florida and is awaiting extradition, authorities said.
Robert “Bob” M. Sinnott Jr., 52, was taken into custody by Cape Coral Police and booked into the Lee County Jail at 11:28 a.m. on December 4, according to jail records. He is being held without bond on an “out of state fugitive from justice” charge. Records list his address as Cape Coral.
Sinnott previously served as an assistant fire chief with Toms River Fire District 2 and worked as a police officer in Island Heights. He was placed on leave from the fire district in 2023.
His arrest comes months after several civil complaints were filed in Ocean County Superior Court accusing him of sexually assaulting multiple minors affiliated with Silverton Volunteer Fire Company #1. The lawsuits allege abuse spanning more than 20 years, describing incidents in firehouse offices, storage areas, training grounds and areas not covered by cameras.
Plaintiffs contend Sinnott groomed young recruits, isolated them under the guise of training, and used his authority to coerce sexual acts. Several said he threatened discipline, demotion or humiliation to keep them quiet and used his control over schedules and ride assignments to exert pressure.
The suits also claim township and county agencies failed to properly oversee the volunteer fire service, citing negligent supervision, violations of civil rights, and failures to follow mandatory reporting laws. The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages for emotional, physical and psychological harm.
Sinnott remained in custody as extradition proceedings to New Jersey move forward.
Authorities in Ocean County have not yet commented on when he is expected to return.
