Former New Jersey police officer and fire chief arrested in Florida for allegedly groping firefighters.
A former fire chief from New Jersey was apprehended in Florida on serious allegations of criminal sexual contact and official misconduct, following accusations from multiple former firefighters regarding his abusive behavior during training sessions. Robert Sinnott Jr., who previously held the position of president at the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, is currently a resident of Cape Coral, Florida.
According to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the 52-year-old Sinnott is alleged to have coerced firefighters into engaging in non-consensual sexual activities under the guise of training exercises. This misconduct reportedly occurred at various locations, including the firehouse and Sinnott’s residence in Toms River, over several instances in 2022 and 2023. Victims describe Sinnott as a mentor who misused his position of authority to lure them into compromising situations, often employing handcuffs or other restraints as part of what he claimed were police reenactments.
Sinnott’s tenure as president of the fire company lasted from 2017 until 2021, a period during which he was also an officer with the Island Heights Police Department, retiring after 23 years in February 2021. Following the allegations, he was arrested by Cape Coral police and is currently awaiting extradition to New Jersey at Lee County Jail.
Earlier this year, three current and former volunteer firefighters filed a lawsuit alleging that Sinnott subjected them to severe forms of abuse, ranging from unwanted physical contact to violent restraints. The lawsuit claims that this behavior, occurring over more than 20 years, was often witnessed by others, reflecting an environment of complicity within the fire company hierarchy. The complaint details a culture of institutional failure, where the victims felt unsupported and retaliated against when attempting to report the abuse.
In response to this situation, the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company released a statement addressing recent concerns regarding its leadership and the allegations associated with Sinnott. While refraining from naming him directly, the organization asserted that any assumptions regarding the leadership’s knowledge or tolerance of such misconduct do not align with the company’s values or operational standards.
The uncovering of these allegations has raised significant awareness regarding accountability in volunteer organizations and the protection of those who may be vulnerable in hierarchical structures. The ongoing investigation and the forthcoming legal proceedings will seek to address these serious accusations and determine the extent of the alleged misconduct within the fire company.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the critical importance of maintaining integrity and safeguarding the well-being of all individuals in community service roles.
