BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – A Fencing coach was charged in connection to sexual assault incidents that occurred in Bridgewater Township, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.
On September 30, it was reported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office that a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by fencing instructor, Stephen Kovacs, 49, of Watchung, Robertson said.
The victim was then 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 August 2021 to September 2021, Robertson said.
Then on October 7, a 19-year-old female reported being sexually assaulted by Kovacs at the age of 18, Robertson said.
The victim was then 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, Robertson said.
As a result of this investigation, Kovacs was arrested on October 13 at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office by detectives from the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit without incident, Robertson said.
Kovacs was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing, Robertson said.
On Tuesday, October 19 Kovacs was released from the Somerset County Jail as a result of his detention hearing, Robertson said.
A subsequent follow-up investigation determined that Kovacs provided false statements under oath during his detention hearing. On Friday, October 22 he was arrested at his residence without incident by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and charged with fourth-degree false swearing. He was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing, Robertson said.
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.
