A New Jersey elder advocacy organisation has asked the court to intervene in an ongoing civil case, alleging that a 90-year-old stroke survivor has been subjected to financial exploitation and serious misconduct in a disputed automotive restoration project.
Elder Help Network has submitted an amicus curiae filing in the matter of Kerekes v. Polyak (Docket No. MRS L 000015-26), currently before the Morris County Superior Court. The group is urging stronger protections for plaintiff Robert Kerekes, describing him as a vulnerable adult allegedly impacted by financial abuse and unsafe workmanship.
Dispute centres on electric vehicle conversion project
The underlying dispute stems from a contracted electric vehicle conversion of Kerekes’ 2003 Acura NSX. According to the filing, contractor Samuel Polyak is accused of deviating from agreed specifications by installing salvaged Chevrolet Bolt battery units rather than the Tesla batteries that were allegedly contracted for.
The brief claims those replacement batteries have been subject to widespread safety concerns, including recalls and settlement actions linked to fire risk, raising questions about the safety of the completed work and the vehicle’s condition during and after the conversion process.
Another mechanic, David Gutwill, is also named in the broader allegations referenced by the advocacy group.
Court order and disputed vehicle condition
Court records cited in the filing show that a Writ of Replevin issued on 14 April 2026 ordered the return of the vehicle and all associated components. However, the amicus brief alleges that when the car was eventually returned, it was missing major parts including the engine, transmission, and other components collectively valued at around $200,000.
An eyewitness statement from Matt Pekham of Vintage Motor Management is said to support claims that an associate of the defendants previously confirmed possession of all components prior to the vehicle’s return. The filing further notes that explanations from the defendants have allegedly shifted over time, including claims that parts were never received and later assertions that they were discarded as scrap.
Allegations of vulnerability and legal non-compliance
In its submission, Elder Help Network argues that the circumstances meet the threshold for elder abuse under New Jersey’s Adult Protective Services framework. The group points to Kerekes’ age and medical condition, including complications from a prior stroke, as factors that increase his vulnerability in complex commercial and legal dealings.
The filing also references alleged procedural delays, including a rejected bankruptcy filing and non-compliance with court orders, which the organisation says have compounded harm and delayed restitution.
Requests made to the court
Addressed to Civil Presiding Judge Frank J. DeAngelis, the motion requests immediate enforcement of the existing Writ of Replevin. It also seeks issuance of subpoenas for testimony and documentation from Polyak, Gutwill, and defence counsel Mr. Yuniver.
Additionally, the organisation is asking the court to consider referring aspects of the case to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for potential investigation into theft, conversion, and alleged financial exploitation of an elderly individual.
Advocacy group statement
Elder Help Network stated that its involvement is intended to provide specialist insight into elder protection issues without causing unfair prejudice to any party. The organisation said it is prepared to assist the court in ensuring due process while highlighting safeguarding concerns where appropriate.
The court has not yet ruled on the amicus application or the additional relief requested in the filing.