BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police Paul Payne announced the arrest of Stephen Kovacs, age 49, Ridge Road, Watchung, New Jersey in relation to sexual assault incidents that occurred in the Township of Bridgewater.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on September 30, 2021, it was reported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office that a 16-year-old female victim was sexually assaulted by fencing instructor, Stephen Kovacs. The victim was interviewed by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. As a result of this investigation, the victim disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in the Township of Bridgewater from August 2021 to September 2021.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on October 7, 2021, a 19-year-old female victim reported being sexually assaulted by fencing instructor, Stephen Kovacs at the age of 18. The victim was interviewed by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. As a result of this investigation, the victim disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in Bridgewater Township from January 2020 to December 2020.
As a result of this investigation, Stephen Kovacs was arrested on October 13, 2021 at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office by detectives from the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit without incident.
Defendant Kovacs was charged with two counts of 2nd degree, Sexual Assault and two counts of 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Defendant Kovacs was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing. On Tuesday, October 19, 2021 Defendant Kovacs was released from the Somerset County Jail as a result of his detention hearing.
A subsequent follow-up investigation determined that Defendant Kovacs provided false statements under oath during his detention hearing. On Friday, October 22, 2021, Defendant Kovacs was arrested at his residence without incident by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and charged with 4th degree False Swearing. Defendant Kovacs was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Police Chief Payne request anyone with information relating to the sexual assault to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit (908) 231-7100 or the Bridgewater Township Police Department at (908) 722-4111 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.