Two brothers who were caught with cocaine were sentenced to jail time Thursday morning.
Superior Court Justice Kirk Munroe sentenced Bela John Semenski to two years in custody. Semenski was found with more than 200 grams of cocaine during an April 2013 police raid at a storage locker he rented, said lawyer Paul Esco, who was defending Semenski’s brother Steven. Bela John Semenski was defended by lawyer Laura Joy.
Steven Semenski received 60 days in jail, with no probation. Esco said Steven Semenski was found with just under 20 grams of cocaine as he was leaving his brother’s house in April 2013.
Both brothers pleaded guilty to the charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking, Esco said.
Esco said Steven Semenski wasn’t involved in selling the drugs, but was sentenced to jail after police found him with cocaine that he was trying to hide to protect his family members.
“Without any forethought or planning, he reacted to help his brother out. Unfortunately, the very momentary lapse in judgment cost him dearly,” Esco said, adding family members were in court to support the two.
Esco said the charge laid against Athanasia Semenski, Bela John Semenski’s wife, was withdrawn.
