Garwood Man Faked Identity to Hide Warrant, Police Say

A Garwood man was caught lying about his identity to conceal a warrant for his arrest, according to Garwood Police.

John Kot, 42, was charged with presenting a false government document and hindering apprehension. His bail was set at $70,000.

According to police, when Officer Jeff Kleinsorgen conducted a motor vehicle stop on Kot for failing to signal before turning on Sept. 2, he presented a Florida driver's license and registration in the name of George Burkhardt.

One week later on Sept. 9, Kleinsorgen pointed out Kot, who he believed to be Burkhardt, to Lt. Jim Wright. 

Wright had prior contact with the individual but knew him to be Kot who resides on Willow Avenue. Wright also had knowledge that there were several outstanding warrants for Kot. 

The officers approached Kot as he was loading tools into a silver 2012 Ford pick-up truck parked on Willow Avenue. He then identified himself as John Kot and admitted that he used a Florida driver’s license with fictitious information to hinder his apprehension on the outstanding warrants, according to police.

Kot was arrested and charged with presenting a false government document and hindering apprehension. Bail was set at $70,000.

In October 2012, the NJ Department of Consumer Affairs won a $7.7 million judgement against Kot and his home improvement businesses for shoddy work and deception. He was since been banned from performing home improvement work and owning or managing any business in New Jersey.