Adams man accused of keying 16 vehicles at car dealership, causing $56,000 in damage

FRIENDSHIP, Wis. (WSAW) - A 64-year-old Adams man faces 16 felony charges after authorities say he scratched more than a dozen vehicles with a rock at a car dealership earlier this month.

Gordon Schonasky is expected to be charged with 16 counts of criminal damage to property. A judge set his bond at $5,000 cash, despite prosecutors requesting a $50,000 cash bond.

According to a criminal complaint, officers with the Adams Police Department responded the morning of Sept. 9 to AF Motors on South Main Street after dealership staff discovered widespread damage across the lot.

Investigators said 16 vehicles sustained scratches across hoods, doors, taillights, and quarter panels, including letters such as “S,” “F,” and “K” etched into hoods. The owner of the dealership estimated the total repair costs at $56,000, averaging roughly $3,500 per vehicle.

Surveillance footage captured an individual identified by police and dealership ownership as Schonasky walking through the lot late on the night of Sept. 8.

When questioned by police at his residence, Schonasky initially denied involvement before admitting he used a stone to scratch vehicles because he was upset the dealership would not let him test-drive a vehicle several weeks earlier. Court documents noted Schonasky had previously attempted to purchase a vehicle from AF Motors in July but was unable to secure financing.

Schonasky is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Oct. 27.

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