Somerset County Fencing Instructor Sexually Assaulted Girls In Bridgewater: Cops

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A Somerset County fencing coach was charged in connection with sexual assaults of girls in Bridgewater.

Stephen Kovacs, 49, of Ridge Road in Watchung, was charged with two counts of second-degree, sexual assault and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, said Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

Kovacs is the Owner and Founder at Kaprica United Fencing Academy in Bridgewater and also formally served as the Ridge High School Head Boys Fencing Coach, according to his Facebook page and Bernards Township School District's website. He also served as a fencing coach for Dukes University and previously for Stevens Institute of Technology, according to Kovacs' LinkedIn page.

"I have no comment except that this individual has not worked for the Bernards Township School District in any capacity since February of 2021, said Bernards Township School District Superintendent Nick Markarian.

On Sept. 30, it was reported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office that a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by fencing instructor Kovacs.

As a result of this investigation, the girl disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in Bridgewater from August to September of this year.

On Oct. 7, a 19-year-old girl also reported being sexually assaulted by fencing instructor Kovacs at the age of 18, said Robertson.

As a result of this investigation, the girl said the sexual assaults occurred in Bridgewater from January 2020 to December 2020, said Robertson.

Kovacs was arrested on Oct. 13, at the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office by detectives from the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit without incident. Kovacs was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.

On Tuesday, Oct. 19, Kovacs was released from the Somerset County Jail as a result of his detention hearing.

A subsequent follow-up investigation found that Kovacs provided false statements under oath during his detention hearing. On Friday, Oct. 22, Kovacs was arrested at his home without incident by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and charged with fourth-degree false swearing.

Kovacs was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with information relating to the sexual assault is asked 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.

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.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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