FALLS CITY – A Humboldt man was given time to report to jail Tuesday because his house burned down hours before sentencing in district court.

60-year-old Mark Bratrsovky was sentenced to 120 days for attempted possession of methamphetamine in December of 2020.

Defense attorney Steven Mercure asked for a fine only.
He said Bratrsovsky  believes a probation sentence would interfere with his ability to earn a livelihood  because probation would require him to limit his contacts with people he does business with.

Mercure: “He also believes that some of the people he deals with would not be satisfactory for the probation office, so he believes he may be set up to fail if he does go on probation.”

 

Deputy Richardson County Attorney Samantha Scheitel said she is concerned about a state probation report regarding accountability.

Scheitel: “According to the probation office, there is a lack of responsibility taken for this case. He essentially blames law enforcement for him being charged – that he was set up.”

Bratrsovsky asked for time to report for the jail term.

Bratrsovsky: “Yesterday at 9 o’clock my house burned down. I lost everything. I’ve got to start completely over and how, I don’t know, because I have very little money, but life goes on.”

The judge waived the court costs and returned bond money.

Smith: “Again, the court is going to waive your court costs and make a finding that you do not have the ability to pay as you have a minor child at home and in light of recent events.”

The judge gave him a week to report to the jail.

Court records say the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at Bratrsovsky’s rural Humboldt residence and seized items with meth residue.