TRENTON — A former leader of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company in Toms River has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual contact and official misconduct following a state investigation, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.
Robert M. Sinnott Jr., a retired Island Heights police officer now living in Cape Coral, Florida, is accused of forcing several firefighters into non-consensual sexual encounters while serving in roles that included fire chief. Prosecutors said the firefighters viewed Sinnott as a mentor, which he allegedly exploited.
According to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, Sinnott created opportunities in 2022 and 2023 to isolate the firefighters at his home, the firehouse, or other locations. Investigators allege he handcuffed or otherwise restrained the victims under the guise of “training” before engaging in unwanted sexual contact. Some victims reported that Sinnott photographed them while they were restrained.
Sinnott was arrested December 4 by the Cape Coral Police SWAT Team with assistance from state investigators. Authorities executed search warrants at his residence, on his vehicle, and on his person. He is being held in Lee County Jail pending extradition to New Jersey.
Sinnott faces four fourth-degree charges of criminal sexual contact and one second-degree charge of official misconduct. The latter carries a potential sentence of five to 10 years in state prison, while fourth-degree offenses may result in up to 18 months.
Deputy Attorney General Diana Bibb is handling the prosecution for OPIA’s Corruption Bureau.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact OPIA Detective Brandon Mastropasqua at 609-960-3768 or Detective Malikah Daniels at 856-414-8855. The office also operates a toll-free corruption tip line at 1-844-OPIA-TIP and offers reward funds for tips leading to a conviction through the state’s Anti-Corruption Reward Program.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations and Sinnott is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
