By Anthony G. Attrino
nj.com
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Three current and former volunteer firefighters in Toms River have filed a lawsuit alleging they were sexually abused by a senior fire official with the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company #1 — abuse they say was ignored and enabled by fire department leadership.
The 95-page complaint, filed March 17, names Robert Sinnott, an assistant chief and former police officer, as the central perpetrator of the alleged abuse.
The suit states Sinnott has worked in administration “and other positions of authority” over the volunteers who filed suit.
The alleged victims accuse Sinnott of using his authority and close ties within the Toms River Fire District 2 to groom, assault and intimidate young men under the guise of training exercises or mentorship.
Sinnott declined to comment on the lawsuit Monday, saying he wanted to first speak with his attorney.
Township officials, including Business Administrator Jonathan Salonis, did not respond to messages seeking comment.
According to the lawsuit, Sinnott subjected the men to sexual assault, harassment, and manipulation, which included forced handcuffing, groping, and simulated police demonstrations that allegedly turned violent and sexually explicit.
The complaint alleges much of the abuse occurred at the firehouse and in full view of other members, pointing to a culture of complicity and institutional failure.
In addition to Sinnott, the lawsuit names the Toms River and Silverton fire departments, and numerous local officials, alleging negligence, assault, civil rights violations, and a coordinated effort to conceal the abuse.
“For over two decades, Sinnott preyed upon young volunteer firefighters, with full knowledge — and inaction — by district leadership,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit stops short of alleging criminal activity, instead claiming that Sinnott’s background as a police officer gave him knowledge of how to avoid violating local or state laws.
The volunteers allege that their attempts to report the abuse were met with retaliation, indifference, or even cover-ups.
One volunteer says he was told to “stay away” from Sinnott and not “make it obvious” there was a problem. Another said he was mocked and harassed by fellow firefighters after speaking out.
The complaint also details how Sinnott allegedly misused his access to sensitive personal information and technology systems within the department and manipulated social dynamics to isolate victims.
The volunteers are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for what they describe as years of emotional trauma, professional setbacks, and psychological distress.
According to the Island Heights Police Department’s Facebook page, Sinnott was a police officer there from 1998 to 2021 before leaving to work in Toms River.
©2025 Advance Local Media LLC.
Visit nj.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
