An elder protection organisation has asked to participate in an ongoing Morris County legal dispute, arguing that a vulnerable elderly plaintiff may have been financially exploited during a contested vehicle restoration and conversion project.
Elder Help Network has filed a motion for leave to appear as amicus curiae in Kerekes v. Polyak (Docket No. MRS L 000015-26), currently before the Morris County Superior Court. The filing supports claims brought by Robert Kerekes, a 90-year-old stroke survivor and well-known automotive enthusiast, and urges the court to account for his alleged vulnerability in the proceedings.
Dispute concerns electric conversion of classic vehicle
The underlying case involves a disputed electric conversion of Kerekes’ 2003 Acura NSX. In its submission, the advocacy group alleges that contractor Samuel Polyak failed to follow agreed specifications, instead installing used Chevrolet Bolt battery units rather than the Tesla battery system reportedly contracted for.
The filing claims the substitution raises safety concerns due to known issues linked to some of the replacement battery units, including prior recalls and fire-risk-related incidents.
David Gutwill is also mentioned in relation to the broader allegations surrounding the build and subsequent dispute.
Vehicle return and missing components disputed
Court records referenced in the brief show that a Writ of Replevin issued on 14 April 2026 ordered the return of the vehicle and all associated parts. However, the amicus filing states that when the vehicle was returned, it was allegedly incomplete, missing major components such as the engine, transmission, and additional parts valued at around $200,000.
The organisation cites anticipated testimony from Matt Pekham of Vintage Motor Management, who is expected to say that individuals connected to the defendants previously acknowledged holding all parts before the return occurred.
The brief also highlights what it describes as changing explanations from the defendants, including statements that the parts were never received and later claims that they had been disposed of as scrap.
Allegations framed as elder exploitation
Elder Help Network argues that the circumstances go beyond a commercial disagreement and may amount to elder financial exploitation under New Jersey’s protective services laws.
The filing stresses that Kerekes’ age and medical history, including recovery from a stroke, significantly increase his vulnerability in both financial transactions and litigation settings. It also references alleged procedural complications, including a rejected bankruptcy filing and failure to comply with court orders, which the group says have delayed resolution.
Court requests enforcement and subpoenas
In its motion addressed to Civil Presiding Judge Frank J. DeAngelis, the organisation is asking the court to enforce the existing Writ of Replevin without further delay. It also seeks subpoenas requiring testimony and records from Samuel Polyak, David Gutwill, and defence counsel Mr. Yuniver.
Additionally, the group is requesting that the matter be referred to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for potential investigation into alleged theft, conversion, and exploitation-related offences.
Court has yet to rule
The filing notes that the organisation’s involvement is intended to provide specialist input on elder protection issues while remaining neutral regarding the underlying contractual dispute. It emphasises that its aim is to assist the court in safeguarding a potentially vulnerable litigant.
The court has not yet decided whether Elder Help Network will be granted amicus status or whether any of the requested relief will be ordered.