John Kotovich
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A Wausau man accused of felony OWI has changed his plea, according to court records.
John Kotovich appeared in court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the October incident. Officers pulled him over for speeding and immediately noticed signs of impairment.
The 76-year-old then failed a field sobriety test. A search of his vehicle turned up THC and other drug paraphernalia.
Court records also show that his defense team argued for a bond modification on Wednesday, which was denied. He is being held in the Marathon County Jail on a $10,000 cash bond
Kotovich, who recently relocated to Wausau from Arizona, is facing one felony OWI for use of a restricted, controlled substance. His record shows at least one previous OWI conviction in 2001, which came in Outagamie County. He was found guilty of a second OWI ten years later in Waupaca County. Additionally, he was found guilty of impersonating a police officer, a misdemeanor, in 2024 and fined $25. That punishment was part of a plea deal that saw the state drop three drug-related charges.
If found guilty, he faces up to 12.5 years in prison. Further court action is scheduled for May 14th; trial dates have not been set.
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