PLUMSTED – What was supposed to be a first meeting between two adults who connected online turned into what a 34-year-old woman now alleges in court papers as a terrifying encounter inside a local firehouse. The accusation appears in a civil lawsuit filed in Ocean County Superior Court. No criminal charges have been filed, and the allegations remain unproven.
The complaint, filed December 3, 2025, names Matt Jakob, Plumsted Township, Plumsted Township Fire District #1 and the New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company as defendants. Jakob was a career firefighter employed by Plumsted Township Fire District #1 at the time of the alleged incident and is no longer working there.
Under ordinary circumstances, this newspaper would not publish the name of an individual who has not been criminally charged. However, Jakob’s identity appears in publicly filed civil court documents, which are accessible to the public.
When asked about the matter, a spokesperson for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office responded: “We do not confirm or deny the existence or non-existence of a criminal investigation.”
Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings
The distinction between a civil lawsuit and a criminal prosecution is significant. In a criminal case, the government must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the highest legal standard. The accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
In a civil case, a private individual seeks monetary damages. The burden of proof is lower, generally a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct occurred. Even in civil court, defendants are presumed not liable unless a judge or jury determines otherwise based on the evidence presented.
Allegations In The Complaint
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff and Jakob connected earlier in September 2025 through social media. The complaint states that they discussed personal boundaries before agreeing to meet in person.
The plaintiff disclosed, according to the filing, that she had been sexually abused at ages 4, 13 and 19, and that issues of consent were particularly important to her. Robert Fuggi, the attorney representing the plaintiff identified by her initials, B.S. in the pleadings, said that information was included deliberately.
“We were transparent with that,” Fuggi said. “We figured that it was important to plead everything, so that there were no surprises during the course of litigation.”
The lawsuit alleges that Jakob invited the woman to meet him at the firehouse located at 32 Brynmore Road in New Egypt at 9 p.m., while he was on his shift on September 25, 2025.
What followed, according to the complaint, was a series of escalating and non-consensual sexual acts inside the firehouse bay area. The filing includes allegations of penetration despite objections and describes the use of an electric toothbrush during the encounter. It further alleges that photographs were taken and that the woman was instructed to perform oral sex.
The complaint is detailed and graphic in its description of the alleged conduct.
Fuggi characterized the allegations as serious. “It is a criminal act. It’s an unwanted touching sexual assault,” he said. “She told him no, and he kept on going. And she was pretty clear about that.”
The plaintiff’s attorney also said the alleged location of the encounter, inside a firehouse while on duty, raises concerns. “If you do this within the confines of your own house and it’s consensual, it’s one thing,” he said. “But doing it at a firehouse, while you’re on duty as a fireman, is different.”
Photographs Referenced
Fuggi’s office provided three photographs that he said are connected to the alleged incident. One image, which is described as a screenshot from a video allegedly taken by Jakob, shows a woman leaning face down on the diamond-plated surface of a firetruck inside the firehouse bay. An electric toothbrush is visible on the metal surface beside her.
Two additional images taken by the plaintiff appear to show bruising. One depicts discoloration along the side of the woman’s chest. Another shows bruising on the upper thigh. Portions of the images have been redacted for modesty.
The photographs have not been introduced or authenticated in court.
Police Report
A redacted Plumsted Police Department report confirms that an incident naming Jakob as a suspect was reported on September 29, 2025. The report lists the nature of the complaint as “Sexual Assault” at 32 Brynmore Road.
Records show that on September 29, 2025, a black Lexar USB flash drive was taken into evidence and logged by the department. The report does not describe the contents of the device. Sources familiar with the matter said authorities are aware of a video related to the alleged incident.
Defense Response
The defendants have not yet filed formal responses in court.
Plumsted Township Fire District #1 issued a February 17, 2026 press release addressing the lawsuit. “The Fire District does not condone the allegations contained in the lawsuit if they are in fact true,” the statement read.
Officials stated that upon learning of the allegations, the district “immediately terminated the employment relationship with this individual.”
The district clarified that the alleged incident did not occur on New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company premises and that Jakob was an employee of the Fire District, not a volunteer member of the New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company.
The statement further emphasized that fire protection services continue uninterrupted.
Attorney Richard Braslow, who represents the Fire District, confirmed that the matter has been referred to the district’s insurance carrier.
“This matter is now being handled by the insurance company and their defense counsel,” Braslow said. He declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations and reiterated that they remain allegations.
Jakob did not respond to a request offering him the opportunity to comment.
At this stage, the civil complaint represents one side of the dispute. The court process, including discovery and, if necessary, trial, will determine whether the plaintiff can meet her burden of proof. The allegations remain unproven.
