🚨 Former Ocean County Fire Chief and Police Officer Indicted in Alleged Sexual Assaults Involving 11 Victims

TOMS RIVER, NJ — September 4, 2026 — A former Toms River-area fire chief and retired police officer has been indicted on charges stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted or improperly touched 11 victims over a period spanning more than two decades, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

Robert M. Sinnott Jr., 53, the former chief and president of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company and a former officer with the Island Heights Police Department, was indicted Wednesday by a state grand jury on nine counts.

According to the indictment, Sinnott is charged with:

🔴 Five counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact ⚖️ Three counts of second-degree official misconduct ⚠️ One count of second-degree pattern of official misconduct

🚔 Allegations Date Back to 2002

Authorities allege that Sinnott used his positions in law enforcement and the fire service to create situations where he could be alone with victims.

Some of the allegations involve Sinnott allegedly handcuffing or physically restraining individuals under the pretense of police or fire training, before engaging in unwanted sexual contact. Investigators also allege that, in certain instances, photographs were taken while victims were restrained.

The first eight counts of the indictment involve allegations concerning four firefighters. Those allegations were also raised in lawsuits filed in 2025.

The indictment’s final count alleges a broader pattern of official misconduct involving seven additional victims, with alleged incidents dating from 2002 through 2012, when Sinnott was serving as a police officer.

Authorities allege that some of those victims were handcuffed under the guise of police training before Sinnott allegedly touched them sexually. In two alleged incidents, the indictment states that Sinnott laid on top of victims after restraining them.

👮‍♂️ Background

Sinnott served as a police officer with the Island Heights Police Department for approximately 23 years, retiring in February 2021.

He also served as president of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company from 2017 through 2021 and held multiple leadership positions within the organization. He had reportedly been on administrative leave from the fire company since 2023.

Sinnott was arrested in Cape Coral, Florida, on December 4, when the Cape Coral Police SWAT Team, assisted by New Jersey authorities, took him into custody. Search warrants were subsequently executed on his home, person and vehicle, according to authorities.

He was later extradited to New Jersey and released following a detention hearing, subject to conditions while the criminal case proceeds.

📢 Authorities Seek Additional Victims or Information

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is asking anyone who believes they may have information about Sinnott’s alleged conduct to come forward.

📞 Corruption Tip Line: 1-844-674-2847 📞 Detective Brandon Mastropasqua: 609-960-3768

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said authorities allege that Sinnott repeatedly abused positions of trust and power within the communities where he served.

⚖️ PRESUMED INNOCENT: The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. Sinnott is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

📲 Garden State News Network will continue to follow this case as it moves through the New Jersey court system.