Sonoma Valley businessman Adam Kovacs, known for his Sonoma Fit gyms and former auto dealerships, has been formally charged with 12 felonies and two misdemeanors in Sonoma County Superior Court.
The Sonoma Index-Tribune reports the charges allege embezzlement and misappropriation of funds tied to his now-closed Kovacs Motors dealership in Boyes Hot Springs. Chief Deputy District Attorney Matt Cheever stated the counts stem from separate incidents involving victims and include the alleged theft of about $50,000 from one customer and failing to remit state sales tax and DMV fees on multiple vehicle sales.
Kovacs, who appeared in court Wednesday, denies any wrongdoing, telling the press, “I’m not a criminal. I’ve lost everything in one year because of a divorce.”
He is expected to enter a plea at his next court hearing on January 21st. Prosecutors estimate Kovacs could face more than 16 years in prison if convicted on all charges.