NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A former fire chief and police officer from Ocean County has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting former employees and colleagues.
New Jersey’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability said 53-year-old Robert Sinnott sexually forced himself on 11 former employees and colleagues under his supervision at the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company in Toms River and Island Heights Police Department.
Investigators said this went on for many years. Sinnott is alleged to have set up times when he was alone with subordinates who saw him as a role model, and sometimes handcuffed them, claiming he needed their assistance with a police-related training before performing sexual acts against their will.
He was arrested last December in Florida and extradited to New Jersey.
Sinnott faces multiple charges and more than a decade in prison if convicted.
“It is inexcusable for public officials to so betray the people they serve and the people they lead. The state is committed to fighting for justice for these victims,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.
