FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newark, NJ – May 11, 2026 – Elder Help Network, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable seniors and combating elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, today filed a Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae, pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:13-9, in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris County, in the matter of Kerekes v. Polyak (Docket No.: MRS L 000015-26).
The filing includes a detailed Amicus Statement/Brief in support of Robert Kerekes, a 90-year-old stroke survivor and prominent New Jersey car collector. The case centers on allegations of elder abuse and financial exploitation stemming from a fraudulent EV conversion of Mr. Kerekes’ 2003 Acura NSX. According to the brief, contractor Samuel Polyak wrongfully replaced high-value Tesla batteries with junkyard Chevrolet Bolt batteries—batteries subject to multi-billion-dollar settlements and widespread recalls due to flammability risks—directly violating the written contract. This substitution allegedly placed Mr. Kerekes, his wife, children, and grandchildren at serious physical risk.
Despite a Writ of Replevin issued by the court on April 14, 2026, directing the return of the vehicle together with all keys, key fobs, remotes, and any removed parts, the vehicle was returned in severely compromised condition—missing its engine, transmission, and related original-equipment components estimated to be worth approximately $200,000. Eyewitness Matt Pekham of Vintage Motor Management is prepared to testify that defendant associate David Gutwill personally confirmed possession of every part, including making a special early-morning trip to retrieve additional components. Subsequent explanations from Polyak, Gutwill, and counsel have been shifting and contradictory.
“Mr. Kerekes has been the victim of abuse by Mr. Polyak who, in addition to defrauding Mr. Kerekes, has now—along with his attorney—attempted to use the legal process to delay and obstruct the proper course of justice,” the Amicus Statement notes. “This amounts to clear elder abuse.”
The Elder Help Network’s filing highlights New Jersey’s strong public policy under the Adult Protective Services Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-406 et seq.) to protect eligible adults (age 65+) from wrongful taking, withholding, or misuse of assets and property. It urges the Court to:
- Fully enforce the Writ of Replevin and order the immediate return of the missing engine, transmission, and all related parts (or a full accounting of their disposition);
- Issue subpoenas compelling Polyak, Gutwill, and counsel Mr. Yuniver to provide sworn testimony and all documentation regarding the chain of custody and final disposition of the parts; and
- Refer the matter to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and/or other appropriate authorities for investigation of potential theft, conversion, elder financial exploitation, and violation of the Writ of Replevin.
“Mr. Kerekes is a long-time contributor to this community—a prominent car collector with over 40 years of experience whose collection has been featured at the New York Auto Show and on ABC News, where he was called an ‘American classic,’” the statement continues. “The court system owes him meaningful access to justice and protection.”
Elder Help Network stands ready to provide the eyewitness statement of Mr. Matt Pekham or any other materials the Court may require and respectfully requests a hearing at the Court’s earliest convenience.
About Elder Help Network
Elder Help Network is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting vulnerable seniors and fighting elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation across New Jersey and beyond. For more information, visit www.ElderHelpNetwork.com.
Media Contact:
Elder Help Network
96 Clinton Avenue #437
Newark, NJ 07114
201-366-0720