Volunteer firefighter accused of sexually assaulting young girl

Eddystone, Pa. (WTXF) - A volunteer firefighter is facing charges accused of sexually assaulting a young girl. The alleged abuse began when the girl was just 12 years old.

30-year-old Anthony Tinney has lived his life in a small Delaware County community where some are in disbelief.

Describing himself as Tinney's "little brother" a man struggled to find words when he spoke with FOX 29's Jeff Cole.

"He's been accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old," FOX 29's Jeff Cole said. "Sir, I have no idea." Cole asked, "Is this surprising of your brother? Are you stunned by it in some way?" "Yes, very stunned," he replied.

"Juvenile claimed she was touched by defendant. He would make comments about her appearance and her body and inappropriately touch her," Eddystone Chief of Police Edward Mokshefsky said.

Investigators say Tinney offered to buy the girl sexual devices, showed her sexual explicit pictures on his phone and revealed to her his large collection of porn kept in his home.

Tinney is locked up on $200,000 bail.

The chief in Eddystone says at one time Tinney was a volunteer firefighter with them but not in years. FOX 29 has found him as a volunteer in the nearby Ridley Township.

The Eddystone Fire Company released the following statement:

"I would like to address the news reports regarding the recent arrest of Anthony Tinney on Wednesday 20 Sept 2017. In various news report's there has been mention of Mr. Tinney's former affiliation with the Eddystone Fire Company.

Mr. Tinney has not been affiliated with the Eddystone Fire Company in almost a decade. We have had no professional contact with Mr. Tinney since we severed ties with him.

The Officer's and Members of the Eddystone Fire Company are confident a thorough investigation will be conducted by the Eddystone Police Department and the Delaware County DA's office on this reported criminal conduct by Mr. Tinney.

We would like to extend our complete support, and thoughts to any victims that may be located after the completed investigation into Mr. Tinney reported actions. The Officer's and Members of the Eddystone Fire Company abhors any and all conduct of this nature that has been reported.

The Eddystone Fire Company has been in continuous service to the residents of the Borough of Eddystone and surrounding communities for 117 years and will continue to proudly serve our community and neighbors in a professional, caring, and respectful manner as we have always strived to do.
We will have no further comment on this matter. Thank You."