Robert Sinnott, Jr. indicted on sexual misconduct charges

Robert M. Sinnott, Jr., a former Ocean County volunteer fire chief and Island Heights police officer, has been indicted by a state grand jury on nine criminal charges. The indictment includes counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and second-degree official misconduct, as well as a second-degree charge for a pattern of official misconduct.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport stated that Sinnott allegedly abused positions of trust to target 11 victims. According to investigators, Sinnott used his authority to create situations where he was alone with subordinates at firehouses or his residence. The allegations include using false pretenses of police training to handcuff or physically restrain victims before forcing unwanted sexual contact.

Sinnott, 53, previously faced five charges related to his time at the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company. The new indictment expands the scope of the investigation to include conduct during his tenure with the Island Heights Police Department. Sinnott has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his attorney, Mitchell Ansell, stated that Sinnott intends to fight the allegations.